BARROW AFC boss Pete Wild gave his players time out to enjoy a family Christmas, but says the focus is now fully on today’s clash with league leaders Stockport County.

Wild says it was important for the squad to get some time to spend with their loved ones on the big day.

However, there wasn’t too much time to be merry before attention switched back to County’s visit to Holker Street.

Wild said: “We trained Christmas Eve, but I never have the players in on Christmas Day.

“I think it is counterproductive and I think it is disrespectful.

“The lads had a bit of running that they had to do Christmas Day morning and report in, but for me the day is very much about family.

“I’ve got a seven-year-old lad, and it was very much about him on Christmas morning.

“We had all the family round and then a little bit of Christmas lunch, and then it was off to Barrow up the A590.

“We all stayed in Barrow Christmas Day night ready for the game.

“So the morning was very much all about family, but once the food was eaten in the afternoon it was all about right I can’t wait for boxing day.”

Wild is expecting a tough test at Holker Street today, but rightly points out that it shouldn’t be an easy afternoon for the visitors either.

He said: “Stockport have been outstanding and have been frontrunners from the start.

“Dave (Challinor Stockport manager) has put another unbelievable side together and they are fit and aggressive, they’ve got some top players for the level, and they are showing that.

“But ultimately this game is just another chance for us to get three points.

“I know everyone will build today’s game up, but it’s only halfway and we’ve got loads of football to play, so to get Stockport out of the way at this point in the season is fantastic.

“We’ve got nothing to fear, we’ve been great at home this year, and everybody sees Holker Street as a tough place to come.

“So we are going to go and give it our all and try to be the best version of ourselves against a very good side.”