BARROW Raiders have strengthened the club’s board after confirming Nick Armstrong and Leo Clarke as their two newest directors.

Armstrong becomes the club’s new charitable foundation and youth development director, while former Evening Mail journalist Clarke takes on responsibility for media and communications.

Originally from County Durham and now living in Dalton, Armstrong has more than 30 years’ experience as a chartered engineer and manager in the oil and gas industry.

That includes working with schools and communities for apprenticeship schemes, along with supporting and sponsoring Raiders for the past eight years.

“I feel that joining the board is a natural progression of my commitment and following of Raiders and believe I have a lot to give by way of organisational skills,” said Armstrong.

“My work in the offshore industry and overseas has also given me a lot of multi-national and multi-cultural experience which I hope can be applied to the multi-ethnic society we see developing in Cumbria and the UK.

“I feel that these qualities can be well utilised in developing the club’s goals in developing the youth and community commitments.”

Meanwhile, Clarke will be using the experience gained during his many years covering the club for both the Evening Mail and national newspapers to grow the club’s media profile, having retired earlier this year.

“Before moving to Barrow I knew very little about rugby league, but I instantly fell in love with the game and soon began writing reports, mainly for national newspapers,” said Clarke, who did not realise he would be involved again so soon..

“My most memorable moment of that time was covering the Lancashire Cup semi-final in 1983, which Barrow won.

“As we all know, they went on to lift the trophy in what was a memorable year.

“I was invited to join the Barrow Rugby League board last week, and I feel very flattered and honoured that I was considered by the current members.”