New Barrow AFC boss Pete Wild has addressed Bluebirds' fans with his hopes for the new season, and the 'bone of contention' that's got supporters talking.
He said: "There is a massive opportunity to do something exciting here.
"I said it the other week, but the work that lies ahead really enthuses me, so hopefully we can get the foundations in place as quickly as possible and that will give us the best possible chance come the first day of the season."
On the recent announcement of a permanent training base in Salford, Wild said:
READ MORE: Barrow announce new Salford training ground
"I think the Club has been looking for a home for a long time and I think players like a home and to have their own training ground so it is something else we can offer the players, which is key.
"I know it's a bone of contention where it’s located but for us to be able to attract the kind of players we want to attract in the short-term, I think it's a great decision and I think it’s a fantastic venue for a League Two football club.
READ MORE: Barrow AFC reveal new assistant manager
The former Halifax Town boss spoke positively about the appointment of new Assistant Manager Adam Temple:
"He's an excellent coach who will make the players better on the training ground and I am confident that he and I can really complement each other as a management team.
"Trust is massive in any walk of life so to have someone like Adam by my side that I can bounce ideas off and we can check and challenge each other is ideal.
Wild also thanked fans for the warm welcome and positive reaction to his appointment, but admitted there were some raised eyebrows:
"I can promise fans that I will always be honest and open.
"There may be times when we’ll disagree but that’s the beauty of football I guess, and I will just always give you my honest opinion.
"That's how I work, I am quite a straight-talking bloke.
"I want to build a bond with the fans - on matchdays I will be hanging around the dugouts and will have some time before the game to answer any questions you might have.
"I want to have that open dialogue, as much as we can, and I know the club is looking to organise a Question and Answer night on Friday, July 1, in The Cross Bar so I will be looking forward to meeting a few of you then!"
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here