DAVID Sharpe has vowed to ensure Barrow Raiders are in a strong position off the field following their promotion back to the Kingstone Press Championship.

Sharpe, who returned for a second spell as chairman last month, will host an EGM in the Raiders Bar starting at 7pm tonight to outline the club’s financial position and plans for the future.

He was delighted to see Barrow edge out Whitehaven 10-6 at Craven Park on Sunday after missing out away to Toulouse Olympique in last year’s play-off final and is optimistic being back in the second tier will help with non-playing matters too.

“There has never been an issue on the field; the team have been there, Paul (Crarey) has kept them under control and kept them pushing forward,” said Sharpe

“Obviously there are a few bits and pieces off the field we need to sort out, and that’s why people asked me to come back. I’ll never see this club suffer, so anything I can do off the field to help I always will do.

“To have lost out so narrowly last year, if that had happened again - and obviously it would have been very narrow again - that would have been a very bitter pill to swallow, so we couldn’t have asked for anything more.

“We needed to go up this year, we believed we could and the fact we have done it is just wonderful. It opens up so many doors for the club.”

Sharpe decided to step down as Raiders chairman following the League One play-off final defeat in Toulouse in 2016, citing work commitments, but is now able to devote the time needed to the role.

His return coincides with Dave and Hazel Robinson, and John Coward joining the club's board as well, and he is eager to see Paul Crarey stay on as head coach too.

Sharpe is the man who brought Crarey back as head coach three years ago and is keen to work closely with him again as Barrow prepare to tackle life in the Championship.

“Absolutely, and I think he’ll be up for the challenge,” said Sharpe. “We’ll sit down and talk, but I’ve got a fantastic relationship with Paul.

“I spoke to him over the last couple of months and he was very keen for me to come back to club, so we’re looking to move on together.”