PAUL Crarey got a first-hand experience of what Barrow Raiders' achievements this year mean to the club's supporters during his trip to the Super League Grand Final.

The Raiders head coach took a coach trip to the clash between Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers at Old Trafford with his two sons, Jack and Joe, plus assistant Steve Rea and his son.

To Crarey's surprise, he received an ovation from those already on the coach when he boarded on Walney Island and was humbled to see such a reaction from the town's rugby league fans.

“I went to the Grand Final with my two lads and Steve Rea and his son, and when I got on the bus everyone clapped,” said Crarey, who oversaw the Raiders' League One Cup and promotion play-off final double.

“It was overwhelming and people realise what we've achieved. I didn't realise people felt like that, so for my kids to see that was outstanding and we had a great day with those people.

“Two trophies in one season and promotion to the Championship is a tremendous achievement for the town, really, and everybody who is associated with Barrow Rugby League. We want to go the Championship because it gave us that moment in the history of the club.”

Crarey has made no secret of the fact he expects Barrow's first season back in the Kingstone Press Championship to be a tough one for the club, with the immediate aim being nothing more than to ensure they avoid relegation.

But with the majority of the current squad under contract next year, other in negotiations about renewing their deals, and more new signings expected to follow Italy international prop Alec Susino, Crarey has reason to be cautiously optimistic.

And he is determined to meet the challenge of taking on the full-time teams such as League One champions Toronto Wolfpack, who will visit Craven Park for the first time next year thanks to the guarantee of a full home-and-away fixture list.

“I know it's going to be tough in the Championship, but we've given the fans a great day at home in the final and the reward is the Championship,” said Crarey.

“People can come and watch great teams play; we've got Toronto coming with (their new signings) Dave Taylor, Joe Westerman and people like that, and we can compete with them.

“Whether we beat them is a different matter, and whether we do when we go to Featherstone, Halifax and Toulouse, and all these places.

“But we wouldn't swap what we achieved for anything, especially seeing all of those kids and fans on the pitch at the end (of the play-off final).”