I MANAGED to fit a belated honeymoon in to my schedule for the past two weeks, although I’m not sure if working on the 2020 Development Plan constitutes romance.

I was thinking that early December may have been a quiet spell but now realise that there simply are no quiet spells at Barrow Raiders.

While I was away, I was delighted that we were able to announce the sponsorship package from BAE Systems. I first had a meeting with Cliff Robson, the MD, in the summer of 2018 just after I had taken over the reins.

It was clear that BAE Systems do not want to be associated with failure and it was up to us to prove that we were worthy of a sponsorship deal.

Since then, we have done tremendous work in the community and also built up our social media presence.

Having 15,000 likes on our Facebook page is worth more than many people would believe in terms of attracting sponsorship. Part of our 2020 plans are to significantly grow this number.

Having BAE on board is a major coup for us. Initially, it may not be the biggest deal we have ever struck, but if we can deliver what we have promised in terms of positive exposure for the company and really helping the community through sport then I am hoping that the partnership grows and is long-lasting.

It will be a lot easier to attract BAE’s massive supply chain knowing that they are supportive of the club.

It was great that this was a joint deal with Barrow AFC and I am a firm believer that both professional sporting clubs can grow together and put Barrow firmly on the sporting map.

I’ve been a big Barrow AFC fan all my life, so it is great they are doing so well and I will be in attendance on Boxing Day.

I am forever conscious in my role of the need to create income because the financial pressures are constant.

Over the festive period on Saturday and Sunday, at Cloud 9, we have 80s and 90s nights, respectively. These should be great night, so please come along and support the club. We are taking all of the ticket sales.

Again over the festive period, I have a couple of meetings with media groups. I can’t emphasise how important it is they we publicise everything we do.

Team and match information, coach and player interviews, radio, newspaper articles, community news, commercial news, events, ticket information, video highlights and general rugby league news all are the responsibility of the media team.

It really needs a full-time team as this is probably the biggest department in the club. Hopefully I can get some help.

For team matters, we were close to agreeing a contract with an Australian prop with a British passport.

Unfortunately, he received an increased offer and has decided to stay back home. He could be on our radar for next season as he clearly had the ability to play in the Championship.

We recognise that we are one or two middles light, though the likes of Jordan Walne and Jono Smith could fill in the middle, if required. The search continues but we refuse to panic, as getting the right player is more important than just getting a body.

I wish you all of our supporters and staff a Happy Christmas and a successful New Year.