WHEN: 1991

WHERE: Holker Street

THE dream of returning to the Football League is a realistic one for Barrow AFC these days, with an ambitious chairman and an experienced been-there, done-that manager at the helm.

Whether the two Pauls – Casson and Cox – succeed in their goal only time will tell, but supporters can take heart from the fact that foundations are being put in place for that to happen.

AFC have been out of the Football League for 45 years, and the club have spent large chunks of that period in the footballing wilderness.

During that time, however, there have been a few successful periods where hopes were high that AFC could make it back to the promised land. The first of these came 25 years go when an another ambitious man was leading a Bluebirds revolution.

That man was Ray Wilkie, who had guided Barrow from Northern Premier League obscurity to the top 10 of the Conference. Wilkie had also taken the club to Wembley for the first time – where they lifted the FA Trophy – and also the third round of the FA Cup for the first time since the 1960s.

There was a euphoric feeling in the town and fans dared to dream about how far could Wilkie take his team, and the like-able Geordie bookmaker was determined that their success wouldn’t be a flash in the pan.

He wanted to build firm foundations, and making exciting Barrovian winger Neil Doherty the club’s first full-time pro in 20 years was a real statement of intent from Wilkie. He hailed the three-year-deal as “another milestone for the club,” adding: “It’s something of a gamble I know, but the board were unanimous in approving it.

“Other people might follow. It’s great that we should start with a 22-year-old local lad who could have a big input into the town. It’s good for us and it’s good for the town.”

Doherty was looking forward to the new challenge, which included him helping with the club’s projected YTS scheme and input into the community and schools.

Primarily he wanted to help Barrow get back into the Football League within the space of his three-year deal – and although that dream never materialized, Wilkie’s “gamble” on the winger certainly paid dividends.

Doherty continued to star on the flanks for Barrow and his performances resulted in him moving up the football pyramid. He had spells with Birmingham City, Northampton Town and Kidderminster Harriers before returning to Barrow, for whom he made 446 appearances during three spells and scored 95 goals.

Off the field he also helped develop a coordinated youth structure at Holker Street, which the club is benefiting from today.

As for Wilkie, his love affair with Barrow was to end tragically early, dying in November 1992 at the age of 56 after being affected by a brain tumour.

He will never be forgotten by Barrow AFC fans, and fittingly the street behind the main stand is named after him – Wilkie Road – to ensure his legacy lasts.

If one day the Bluebirds do make it back to the Football League, the legendary Ray Wilkie will be in the thoughts of many AFC fans.