THE words of at least two other coaches are on the mind of Paul Crarey as he ponders whether to stay on as Barrow Raiders head coach or not.

Having helped rebuild the team and guide them back to the Betfred Championship since returning for a second spell in charge of the club he spent most of his professional playing career at ahead of the 2015 season, Crarey is considering the offer of a new contract.

Raiders chairman Steve Neale has made no secret of the fact he wants Crarey to stay on, while the coach is hugely respected by both the players and supporters at Craven Park, although the man himself has much to consider – including things he has picked up from other coaches.

“When Halifax came to town, Richard Marshall – who I admire greatly as a coach and a person – said I was doing a great job and I spoke to him about whether I was going to stay or not,” said Crarey.

“He said ‘you need to follow the job through and let it run its course’ so I’ll see about that. I’ve got to speak to my family.

“The crowd were brilliant and it’s a bit of a rebuilding job because Joe Bullock is going and other players are moving on, and it’s about getting that blend and it’s going to be so difficult.

“It’s whether I want to put myself in that position again because sometimes you’re waking up at 4am when you’ve got work at 7am thinking about rugby.

“I think (former Catalans Dragons and St Helens head coach) Mick Potter was asked why he had packed in coaching and he said ‘because I want to sleep at night’!”

The 2018 season presented plenty of challenges on and off the field for both Crarey and the team, although they came through those and are assured of a place in the Championship for next year.

If Crarey does decide to move on, he will leave behind a legacy which also includes the development of the Furness Raiders under-19s team, plus the League One Cup triumph in Blackpool last year.

But he added he will take his time before making a decision, including speaking to his family about what is best.

“I’ve done it for four years when I was only going to do it for one, so if I call time I’ll have done my time at Barrow Raiders both as a player and a coach,” said Crarey.

“I’ll speak to my wife and family and have a holiday. But Steve wants me to stay and that’s the main thing.”