ANOTHER solid performance against Rochdale and we can tick another fixture and victory off as we continue our unbeaten start to the season.

It was again heart-warming to see another strong attendance, this even though we changed days to Saturday and were competing with the amateur game which we know provides several of our supporters.

I was in our marquee afterwards and it was great to hear such positive feedback around the direction of the club from sponsors and fans alike as well as being recognised by the Rochdale board who also gave us some kind words. A lot of the praise was aimed in my direction, but it would be remiss of me take the plaudits without recognising that I am surrounded by such a fantastic team.

Everywhere I look in the club there are individuals putting in sterling work and often going the extra mile.

The boardroom is packed with individuals who are making a real difference to the club.

Jack Fawcett has been instrumental in bringing the big screen to Barrow and he has brought a lot of creative thinking that we have been happy to support. Darren Herbert, together with Karen Scarr and her stewards, ensures the safety of the ground for us to stage matches and events and to continue to improve the facilities. Often it is a thankless task, but we simply can’t operate if we don’t do so safely.

Craig Boothroyd leads our Stadium team that is packed with individuals who are totally priceless. Some of them thought they were enjoying retirement, but you wouldn’t believe the work ethic amongst them, I think it’s keeping them young.

Lorraine and Paul Hunt have come in to manage our new bars and have done a fantastic job. I don’t think they truly knew what to expect but we have all been blown away with the popularity of our new facilities. Beneath them they have such a hardworking team, and they simply never stop.

Pete Murphy came up with the idea of creating our Lincoln’s takeaway and he has managed the facility from the start. That type of diverse thinking has allowed the club to grow stronger even through the toughest of times with no rugby and Pete should be proud of what is now an established name in the town.

Denis Fay, together with Siona Hartley and the team of Tee, Callum, Ruth, Caroline and the Community board have totally transformed our community programme. We were recently commended as doing the best work in the whole of rugby league and we do it without the financial backing the RFL give to other clubs.

Andy Gaffney doubles as the team manager and players director and his relationship with a network of agents has been instrumental in putting the team and contracts together. Another massive unsung hero.

Scott Deakin has returned to the club, and he is managing a growth strategy for our Furness Raiders team with one eye on a reserves team. His enthusiasm will ensure success.

Our commercial team, led by Adele Neale, and about to increase in numbers has forged some really special relationships with our sponsors and the feedback we are getting is exciting. As we expand, the commercial opportunities have done so too, and we simply can’t keep pace at times.

Keith Holt has been instrumental in a lot of the project building work and together with Karen and Rachael Heighton their knowledge of the club simply ensures smooth running.

The coaching, medical and backroom staff led by Paul Crarey, Steve Rea and Sean Riley have been phenomenal in the work they do for the club. They simply never stop with the teams beneath them a total credit to the organisation.

Hazel Robinson has added a touch of professionalism to the club, and she is simply available for any task required. A tower of strength and great support to me personally

John Coward continues to back the club financially and with it comes his numerous business contacts that help the club to flourish.

The Supporters Trust, led by Louise Scarr, are also so important and have played a vital part in lockdown bringing much needed income.

We have had to produce a COVID team with Lisa, Karen, Julie, Louise and Hazel doing a sterling job.

The players themselves are such a fantastic bunch. They have become very close knit, which is usually a recipe for success, let’s hope so.

All this work is for nothing if we don’t get the backing of the supporters and they have been tremendous in coming out in numbers, supporting all the club is doing. With this backing the future is really exciting, and they should also be proud of their role.

And finally, while we are on thank-you’s the biggest goes to my long-suffering wife. She has not been getting the attention she deserves and can probably now be officially classed as a rugby widow, thankfully she also loves the game.