SKIPPER Simon Grand is hopeful the change in Barrow AFC’s backroom staff can bring about a much-needed improvement in team spirit at Holker Street.

The Bluebirds had been due to head to National League play-off contenders Eastleigh tomorrow with four new faces in manager Paul Cox’s staff before the match was postponed.

Gary Simpson has come in as assistant manager and Sean Riley as physio to work with the squad, as well as new head scout Paul Ogden and analyst Ben Marvin.

The changes saw first-team coach Alex Meechan, sports therapist Dan Anderton and strength and conditioning coach Paddy Maher exit Holker Street.

Grand recognises the impact – both positive and negative – such changes can have on players, but is hopeful the appointments have improved morale among the players.

He said: “It’s different for all players – sometimes it affects players in a positive way. Some players might try and impress after a shake-up, it can rattle a few people and it can get a reaction.

“Other people, they might not be happy about it and it affects them in a different way. Everyone is different in that respect.

“But it’s football and it’s a cruel business almost all the time. It’s bad enough as a player, when players are moving on and it’s probably even worse as a member of staff. It’s not nice, people have lost their jobs.

“But it’s something new and fresh that the manager is looking to bring in to move the club forward. He felt it was what was needed to move the club forward and it is something we are all trying to get on board with and move forward with him and see where it goes.

“I had played against Gary’s sides before, but I’d not spoken to him. Tuesday was the first real encounter with him.

“He took the training, put a session on and made sure everything was done right, that we not only worked hard but enjoyed it as well.

“If you work hard and do what’s asked of you, I think you will enjoy it. If we can get a smile on a few of the lads’ faces and a bit of a stronger team spirit than we have had in recent weeks, then that’s something we can look to build on. All season, it’s not been there and that’s something that needs addressing.”