AFTER the mini-blip against Workington we returned to action at the weekend versus Doncaster.

Before the game I was nervous. I looked at their side, especially the halves and backline, and thought they had real quality.

What we saw though, from start to finish, was probably the best performance since I have been re-involved with the club. The whole day blew me away.

To see so many happy youngsters in the ground early doors followed by a comprehensive performance from our Ladies team and then something special from the men. We then move on to the after-match presentations and to see so many of our supporters and sponsors totally delighted was heart-warming to say the least.

Another fantastic crowd, breaking 2000 again, and we again were the second-best supported team outside Super League. We set ourselves the mission of being in the top five crowds, which comes with increased funding from the RFL and we have to thank our supporters for helping us achieve that. In some respects rugby league is going through a tough period with reduced funding from the TV deal but perhaps the RFL need to use us as a template for success.

We firmly believe that crowds are everything. Get crowds into your ground, make it a place to spend the whole day and everything else flourishes. More sponsors, more secondary sales, more merchandise, more participation, bigger media presence, more engagement with community projects.

I am late writing this article but what a fantastic evening we have just provided with the screening of the European Championship Semi Final. The atmosphere in the ground was electric and there was a real smile on everyone’s faces as we have provided the town with something special with the fan zone experience.

Not only that with Covid cases on the increase we have allowed hundreds of fans to watch in a well ventilated, spacious area, rather than crammed into houses and pubs.

I didn’t manage to watch the game as I was working on a bar behind the screen but to me just to see hundreds of people from our area enjoying themselves was priceless. I honestly believe that what we are providing for the public of Furness through our events and community programmes is helping to put Barrow on the map.

I’m in my 50s and I honestly thought I wouldn’t see England in a final in my lifetime, but Sunday will once again be something special, starting with both of our teams at Keighley.

I have done countless interviews since we started our beer garden from Radio Five Live, to TalkSport, to Heart and Radio Cumbria, we have featured in national newspapers and there was a really nice article in League Express this week about the growth of our crowds. All that coverage is down to the people of Barrow. The supporters are absolutely fantastic, as are all the sponsors and participants of our community programmes. The extra income generated will be directed to facilities and the team. No individual ownership ensures that all profits get reinvested for the good of the town. This journey is so much better than those funded by rich owners because everyone is part of it.