Barrow AFC skipper Lewis Hardcastle has backed the club to finish in the top half of League Two this season.

The Bluebirds are currently in 21st position, outside the relegation zone on goal difference, but Hardcastle is adamant that a string of good results will propel the club up the league.

The 22-year-old said: “I know what quality we have got, if we put a run of games together, I can’t see anyone stopping us in this league.

“Top half has got to be our inspiration now and it has got to be in our sights.

“I know were near bottom, but I think we have shown in the last few games what we can do to teams.

The Mail: BLUEBIRDS: Barrow AFC players after their 3-0 win over Cheltenham Town.BLUEBIRDS: Barrow AFC players after their 3-0 win over Cheltenham Town.

“I think if we can put up a run of five or six games together then we can shoot up this league.

“Teams who are ninth or tenth in this league are within touching distance of us.

“All we need to do now is keep working hard, stick together and we will fly up that table.”

Last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to bottom club Southend United at Roots Hall was new boss Michael Jolley’s first loss since taking the Holker Street hotseat.

The Mail: Michael Jolley unveiled as new manager of Barrow AFC, December 24 2020 (photo: Barrow AFC)Michael Jolley unveiled as new manager of Barrow AFC, December 24 2020 (photo: Barrow AFC)

Hardcastle has now revealed how the new manager is settling in at the club.

He said: “The new gaffer is very detailed with what he does.

“We have been doing a lot of shape work, off the ball and on the ball.

“He seems good, he is a down to earth guy.

“The detailed stuff should stand us in good stead.”

Speaking during a fans question and answer feature, Hardcastle highlighted that last year’s National League title win has been the best moment since joining Barrow in 2019.

Barrow next face fellow League Two side Scunthorpe United at Holker Street this Saturday.