Prop Carl Forster has praised the Barrow Raiders top brass for the way they have supported players and guided the club through the Covid-19 pandemic.

The outbreak of the crisis led to the curtailment of the Betfred Division One season, with players left waiting to see what the future would bring.

Forster, signed last season from Whitehaven, only managed a handful of outings for Raiders before the season was brought to an abrupt end.

But this week he pledged his future to the club, by penning a new deal year deal at Craven Park.

And after signing his new deal he reserved praise for the club's board and Director of Rugby Andy Gaffney for the way they've dealt with the players in these uncertain times.

He said: "Andy and Steve (Neale) have been great in the way they have dealt with everything and that was probably the main reason why I decided to sign a new deal.

"They have supported the players through all this and kept players paid and it has been great.

"There is a lot to be said for the way they have dealt with things and it shows that the club is in safe hands."

The prop was the second signing of the summer, after Gaffney secured the signature of former England International Shaun Lunt earlier this month.

Only one player has gone out through the Craven Park door so far, with Gaffney eyeing up further signings in the coming weeks.

Forster believes in the club can keep the majority of the squad then Raiders will have a real chance of promotion.

He said: "We've got a really good squad of lads here.

"This year was going to be a really big year for us, and we started really well and went to Doncaster and picked up a victory.

"Then all this happened which was frustrating.

"The league next season is going to be really strong and competitive but if we can keep the squad together than we had, then we have a real chance."

It is currently a strange time for players up and down the country, with many in limbo as they are unsure when they will be able to return to training.

Raiders players have been working on their own personalised training regimes that have been given to them by the club.

However Forster insisted that it is important that the players don't peak too early."

He added: "It is difficult. We have our own plans but we don't have a date when we can return just yet.

"Because of that it is key that we don't do too much too soon before we go back."