AN amazing £18,500 pledged to Barrow Raiders at their annual sponsors night has blasted last season’s sum of £17,000 out of the water.

The amount has exceeded all club expectations with chairman David Sharpe describing the generosity of supporters as ‘phenomenal’.

More cash could be heading Barrow’s way later in the year with games still to be arranged as the battle for promotion from League One later heads for a top eight play-off as part of the new-look structure for 2016.

Held at Crooklands Garden Centre, Dalton, on Friday, the sponsors night drew an excellent turnout where those present could sponsor anything from a kicking tee to a player.

New Raiders captain Oliver Wilkes attracted the biggest sponsorship of £1,500, but a lot of other players hit figures ranging from £300 to £800.

Barrow have high hopes for next season’s campaign and the cash raised through the sponsors night and pre-season friendlies will go a long way to helping their cause.

Raiders chairman David Sharpe said: “£18,500 was pledged on the night. It has beaten last year and we have only sold half the games. It is fantastic news. We knew it was a good night and that proves it.

“It was a great success. We are really pleased with the turnout, all the players got sponsored and the coaching staff and everything.

“The last seven games we weren’t able to sell because we don’t know who we are playing yet.

“Oliver Wilkes went for £1,500 and that was fantastic, a selection of people grouped together to buy him. A lot went for between £300 and £700 and £800.

“We are very pleased how it went.”