STEVE Neale is confident Barrow Raiders will be in a much stronger position off the field for the 2019 Betfred Championship season after the financial strife of recent months.


Former Barrow player Neale was elected club chairman soon after joining the board in April following David Sharpe’s decision to step down from the role and, along with his fellow directors, has steered the Raiders through some difficult times.


The club’s financial outlook has already been boosted by the Raiders being due to receive what is understood to be a five-figure transfer fee from Wigan Warriors for the transfer of Joe Bullock to the Super League side on a three-year deal from next season.


Wigan have agreed to a high-profile pre-season game against Barrow next year as part of the deal as well and while Neale again called on the area’s population to come out and show their support, he gave assurances the Raiders’ immediate future is secure.


“It is still the case that we need the whole community to get behind the club either with support from the terraces, as sponsors or supporting the numerous events we are trying to organise,” said Neale. “However, I can personally guarantee that we will get through the season with our financial commitments met.


“Next season will be a challenge, but we will be in a much better starting position. If we can finish higher than 10th then more money should be received from the RFL under the current payment structure, a transfer fee from Joe Bullock and an exciting Wigan friendly will also improve matters, and we intend to make a big push for season ticket holders and sponsors for the new season.”


Having just come off a weekend without a game, the Raiders return to action this Sunday at home to Batley Bulldogs with their place in the Championship for 2019 looking all but certain.


Neale praised both the players and head coach Paul Crarey and his staff for their efforts this year in the face of the well-documented adversity they have faced at times after winning promotion in 2017.


And the chairman is eager to see Barrow make further on-field progress next year.


“The team and coaching staff have done a fantastic job almost certainly securing our Championship status,” said Neale. “This achievement ranks even higher than promotion in my view.


“It takes a certain mental strength to overcome the adversity we have encountered this season and the staff have this in abundance.


“This season could still have an exciting climax with both Tom Walker and Lewis Charnock set to return from long-term absence to strengthen the squad. The next test is for the club to push on.


“We need to establish ourselves, firstly as a genuine mid-table side capable of being competitive in every game. The board will be working together with the coaching staff over the coming weeks both in securing the signatures of our current staff and strengthening in certain areas. Next season promises further improvement and exciting times for the club.”