Last updated 12:52, Tuesday, 19 August 2008

NO PLACE LIKE HOME: Holker Street will host a further 22 Blue Square Premier fixtures during the present season. The remaining 21 away dates, with an estimated 12 overnight stops, will take a heavy toll on club finances REF: 0204239

BARROW AFC are set to run up a bill of around £50,000 in travel and accommodation in the Conference this season.

Around a dozen overnight stops have been planned in a hectic schedule that involves an unprecedented total of over 11,000 miles in round trips.

It all kicked off at the weekend when the official party stayed in Huntingdon on Friday night before the 2-1 defeat at Cambridge United.

AFC chairman Brian Keen said similar arrangements were being made for many of the longer trips.

He said: “We have talked about it with the managers and players and have come up with around a dozen overnights.

“Everyone was very happy with the way it went at the weekend, it is important the players feel fresh before a game.

“We have been looking to do deals with hotels but, with petrol prices, we’re probably looking at £50,000 in travel and accommodation.

“It is a pity there isn’t something in the coffers where the Conference can help subsidise clubs in our position.”

The incredulous mileage – enough to get halfway round the world – has already been highlighted by the Evening Mail, while the Non-League paper this week focused on Barrow’s travels.

The trade paper states that Barrow’s 11,116 miles of away journeys means they will end the season as non-league football’s most travelled side.

The 732-mile round-trip to Eastbourne and back is the longest in the league and will take well over 12 hours by road with journeys to Lewes, Weymouth and Torquay not far behind.

Blyth Spartans face the most travelling time in Blue Square North with over 7,300 miles in round trips and Worcester City in Blue Square South with 5,300.

A Football Conference spokeswoman today told the Evening Mail there was no policy to help clubs with travel.

She said: “It is the same in the Football League where the likes of Carlisle and Plymouth face long journeys.

“Barrow do benefit from a system where money is pooled together by the clubs to meet referees and officials’ travelling expenses.”

Barrow AFC manager Dave Bayliss felt the overnight stay had given the team the best possible chance for the Cambridge game. He said: “I know as a player that I used to enjoy the chance to relax and prepare for the game, to go for a walk on the Saturday morning and buy a paper.”

The managers, however, face a defensive dilemma for this weekend’s home game with Mansfield as Mike Pearson is suspended following his sending off at Cambridge.

l Barrow AFC are looking to run an official supporters coach to the game at York on Bank Holiday Monday – contact Jeff Keen on 01229 823061.

l The Independent Supporters Club, who are full for York, are taking bookings for coaches to the fixtures at Lewes on September 6 and Salisbury on September 13.

For Lewes, the coach will leave Ramsden Square, Barrow at 5.30am and initially the price has been set at £30 members and £33 non-members.

For Salisbury, the coach will leave Ramsden Square at 6.30am and the price has been set at £28 members and £30 non-members.

Other pick-up points can be arranged for both trips with the price lowered slightly if there is sufficient interest.

For bookings please call Stuart on 077912 68705.

Please note bookings cannot be accepted via the internet.