Paul Crarey believes the long term future of Barrow Raiders is in the hands of local talent with three new recruits on board and others on the horizon.

The Raiders boss is fully aware that young local talent has got to be looked at, and if those youngsters are up to it then a professional ticket could be in the offing.

In the close season, and proving their worth in the three friendly games Mark Tyson, Tom Hopkins and Carl McBain have all taken the professional route.

Ten of the area's top liners were invited down to train with the club with no strings attached and they all eased into Crarey's system.

Crarey said: "They were not put under any pressure and all fitted in very well with how we do things.

"We are getting local lads now that want to play for Barrow while several years ago it wasn't the case.

"We are openly honest with the lads we talk to, and also to their respective clubs and coaches.

"Our academy set up, with the help of Keith Nutter and the coaches over the last few years, has been brilliant.

"In the game with Workington, no less than ten academy players were involved - six for us and four in the Workington side.

"Mark Tyson, along with Tom Hopkins, has been with Askam for several years and had a spell with Egremont last season.

"Mark wanted to come down to us as did Carl McBain.

"Tom Hopkins we were after around six years ago but he wasn't ready,he wanted to gain international honours with BARLA and he did.

"We had a good chat with him and here he is with us on a pro contract.”

Barrow are not a wealthy club, with no big funders, but all the directors, players, coaches, and volunteers, work around the clock in trying to keep the club afloat.

Crarey added “We have to perform each week to keep the interest going and hopefully bring the crowds back.

"Two years ago when we beat Whitehaven to gain promotion we had 3000 plus in the ground.

"Barrow soccer is now pushing to get back in the football league and are reaping the benefits with 2,500 plus at several recent games.

"We have to get those numbers coming through the gates, then we can build a stronger and more experienced squad.

"That's is why at present we are bringing in the best of the local talent.

"You will always get young teenagers going to Super League Clubs.

"Some make it others don't but I believe we do our best in developing young kids who are all keen to give it a go with Barrow.”