NEW assistant manager Jamie Day says the main focus at Barrow AFC has to be National League survival this season, before looking to build and progress over the summer.

Day arrived in the camp at the start of the week to link back up with boss Ady Pennock – following spells together at Welling United, Forest Green Rovers and Gillingham.

He has come to a Barrow side sitting two points above the National League relegation zone in 20th place, with today's trip to Maidstone United seeing them seeking a first win since beating Woking on December 23.

Climbing the table with a run of good form is key for the Bluebirds with 15 games remaining in their season, but Day says he and the management team are not looking too far ahead when so many key matches are on the immediate horizon.

“When the gaffer came in in October, the aim was to make sure they stay in this league, and that's the job that we've got to do this season,” said former Ebbsfleet United boss Day.

“Hopefully, we get that done and we try to progress over the summer for next season.

“We're not looking miles ahead; we want to get the task done, hopefully, the sooner, the better, and then we can build for the club going forward.

“The gaffer has said we just need to build a run of wins and build confidence, and that's what we've got to do.”

Day has spent this week getting to know the Barrow team, having made it a point not to come in prejudging any of the players, and he added: “I'd watched a couple of DVDs of games they had had before. I generally like to come into a club not knowing too much so that I can work out my own ideas when I see them in training and close up.

“We have got a squad of players where, if you're not playing and you have an opportunity on Saturday, then you have to take it. Those players have to step in, prove they want to play for the club and take the club up the table.”