Published at 12:57, Thursday, 11 September 2008

Paul Raftery REF: 0421453

FOUR clubs are trying to snap up bustling forward Paul Raftery who was released by Barrow Raiders last week — and Workington Town are among them, writes FRANK CASSIDY.
The 30-year-old Manchester-based player, who has been a solid servant in his three-and-a-half years with Barrow, is making way for fresh blood as Raiders gear up for next season in National League One.
“There are four clubs in for me,” Raftery said last night.
“Workington, Swinton, Rochdale and Blackpool.
“Workington said they will be giving me an offer when their chairman, Dave Bowden, gets back on Monday.
“But I think I’ve done my time travelling.”
Raftery caught the eye of Barrow scouts while playing for Eccles amateurs against Askam at Fallowfield Park and signed on at Craven Park in 2005 when Peter Roe held the coaching reins.
He has made many friends in the area and attended Barrow’s end-of-season awards night at the Nines last Friday.
The player sent an email to the Evening Mail thanking everyone who made him welcome at Hindpool.
“Dear fans,” he wrote.
“I am writing this letter in the hope that all of you will read it as I have been unable to thank everyone personally.
“When I joined Barrow in 2005 I was very much the newcomer and outsider but very quickly you all made me feel welcome and I soon felt like an adopted Barrovian.
“My time at Barrow has been thoroughly enjoyable and I hope that you feel that I contributed towards the team’s recent success.
“The team will now face new challenges and although I will not be part of it, I still wish them the best of luck and continuing success.
“It was never my wish to leave Barrow but I am now looking forward to new challenges and, hopefully, less travelling.
“If I am ever in a team in the future that meets Barrow I will warn them of the extra force that Barrow take with them — the most loyal and vocal fans they will ever meet.
“Once again, many thanks to all of you and give ‘Raf’ a shout if you ever see him.
“Good luck.”

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