WORK commitments have forced Mike Sunderland to step down as Barrow Raiders chairman, with fellow director Allan Park taking over the role.

Sunderland returned for his second spell as chairman of the club, initially on an interim basis, last October after previous incumbent David Sharpe resigned from the board.

However, the former Barrow director of rugby has recently taken a new job which means he spends Monday to Friday working in South Wales and unable to dedicate the time needed to fulfil the role.

“With me working away now, it's unfair for me to carry on with the duties when I can't make the meetings,” said Sunderland, who has backed his successor to keep the Raiders moving forward.

“I proposed that I stood down and we have had a volunteer in Allan Park, and I think Allan will make a great chairman.

“He's forward-thinking, he's a good guy, he's retired so he's got the time to deal with all of the issues you have to deal with as chairman and I think he'll be a great asset to the board.”

Sunderland will remain on the Barrow board as a director and is set to take on responsibility for budgeting and making sure the club do not go over the salary cap.

He hopes to help with looking at plans to develop the facilities at Craven Park, including extending the Raiders Bar, to help the club generate more non-matchday income.

“We can put plans in place, we can design an extension for the bar and get everything ready, and know how much it's going to cost,” said Sunderland.

“Once we know how much it is going to cost, then we can start fund-raising for it or looking where we can get the funds from.

“It's giving the club a more secured income as well, so that's the way I want to be involved which I can do when I'm away from home.”

Despite having to take on the job of chairman for a second spell in unforeseen circumstances, Sunderland has enjoyed his time serving in the position and believes he leaves it with the club well-placed.

“It was thrust upon me and it wasn't something I went looking for, but I have enjoyed it,” said Sunderland.

“It's a difficult job, and I've always said I thought David Sharpe was a great representative of the club and a great chairman.

“I feel I've put my own stamp on it and I'm hopefully handing the reins over with it still in a viable position.”