Victory against Batley was full reward for all the effort the players have put in this season.

In many ways, it was a scrappy game with some bizarre decisions given by the referee.

We caught the ball that hadn’t gone ten metres from kick-off and no penalty for Batley resulted, then a Batley player almost had to plead that he had knocked on and there looked to be an offside try that the player looked embarrassed to score. Some decisions went for us, some against so I guess we just learn to live with it.

The Championship has been high quality this season and the TV viewers will get the chance to see as much in the play-off games.

It is important for all involved in the lower leagues that you tune in to view. The viewing figures will go a long way to deciding whether the Championship gets a decent TV offer when the current deal expires in 2021.

For me, it is a very marketable product and whether we are part of a big Sky deal or broker a separate one, I think we deserve some TV exposure, as it then entices sponsorship and helps turn viewers in to fans at the ground.

Football hasn’t been harmed by wall-to-wall coverage with blue chip companies falling over themselves to sponsor the big events, so we shouldn’t fear coverage.

The RFL recognise this and plan to also show the League One play-off fixtures on their OuRLeague app. If they can also get membership and viewing numbers increased, then the possibility of money coming in to our game is increased.

Looking closer to home, I am delighted that Furness Building Society have committed themselves to be our partner.

They have been very impressed with all the work we have been doing in the community and want to be associated with us starting with our Golf Tournament on September 21 at Barrow Golf Club.

It is no surprise that our community programme is getting positive reviews. There has been a tremendous amount of work done by Siona Hartley, our coordinator, and our overseas players and they all deserve a massive pat on the back

Other major companies have shown an interest and growing the community side of our club still remains one of our chief objectives.

Our presentation evening was very well attended and big thanks go to Louise Scarr and the members of the Supporters Trust for organising a great night.

Despite relegation, I think our supporters understand that our club is in a stronger position than a year ago.

The atmosphere was almost surreal in that there was a real sense of optimism and I don’t think we have ever felt that when we have gone down in that the club have always had to start from scratch having been decimated and disillusioned by the outcome.

Everyone at the club is determined to make amends and come back stronger.