Well, we finally secured our Betfred Championship status at the weekend, albeit the confirmation came off the pitch rather than on it thanks to the announcement the RFL proposals for the competition’s new structure had been agreed.

This resulted in the restructuring of the Championship and next season there will be 14 teams playing home and away, with an added Summer Bash fixture and a five team play-off.

On the pitch, the team put in their best performance for some time last Sunday. Swinton came out of the blocks with a lot of intensity, with their survival far from certain.

With a strong wind against us, we dug in during the first half and with a high completion rate we finished the job in the second half.

We had the luxury of being able to leave players out this weekend and having a strong bench really does give the coach options.

Moving on to the evening, we had our Presentation Evening to a packed house, with Alec Susino, Jono Smith and Jarred Stack picking up the main awards.

All those winning awards were richly deserved and it was nice that we also recognised some of the magnificent volunteers we have off the pitch.

Unfortunately, there aren’t enough awards to go round to really do this justice. One or two of the active volunteers may feel a little disappointed, but we know the fantastic efforts that they put in.

With our survival intact, I want to also take the opportunity to thank the fans.

They really are a knowledgeable bunch. They know the budget constraints that we have been under and the disparity in funding throughout the league and they know that there would be occasions when our squad would be tested to the limit trying to compete with full-time teams, but they have stuck with us and we were rewarded with a fantastic crowd for our final fixture and a fantastic reception at the final whistle.

I have felt nothing but support since I have taken on this role and it is really appreciated. Hopefully I can reward the faith that has been put in me by really turning the club around.

Nothing has been confirmed, but I believe that there is a three-year plan proposed to gradually even up the Championship funding. This can only be good for me and good for Barrow.

If we are to compete on a level playing field then, with our fan base, I see us as a top-end Championship club. With no rival clubs in close proximity and a catchment area of the whole of the South Lakes, we really are in a good position to grow.