Bluebirds Trust chairman Steve Herbert believes there is now a much closer connection between Barrow AFC and its supporters than there was this time 12 months ago.

The Trust set up their Share Contribution Scheme last year, after a ten per cent stake was made available to purchase by the consortium that inherited ownership of the Bluebirds from the Casson family.

They successfully raised £50,000 to buy the shares and through Trust director Levi Gill, they are represented on the club's board and have a say in how it is run.

Their members showed they're prepared to much in during the summer by voluntarily helping with the improvements to AFC's ground at Holker Street, while the improvements in performances on the pitch have helped to drive up attendances this season.

Herbert said: "Barrow supporters have always been passionately connected to the club and fiercely loyal, but what it's done is manage to bring back that impetus to reconnect with the town and that's hugely important, going forward.

"For the last home game [against Sutton United], I was able to get in at half past eight and prepare for our AGM and someone lent us their laptop so we could watch the Rugby World Cup final while we were getting ready.

"People came in and we put on bacon buns and coffee for the supporters and there's been a great family atmosphere, with everyone pulling together.

"In the meeting, one of the people made the point of saying that when he talks to other supporters trusts that they can't believe the fan involvement here. We're a real part of the club."

n Levi Gill is away this week. His column will return, as normal, in next Monday's edition.