When discussing situations like those we’ve all watched play out at Bury and Bolton in recent weeks, one must always be cautious of writing an ending to the story.

There have been so many twists and turns that I don’t think anybody would be surprised if the EFL decided, even now, to reinstate Bury under new ownership.

Likewise, how many of Bolton’s weary fans would raise an eyebrow if their apparent saviours turned out to be another regime of chaos and financial implosion?

Whether or not both stories end the way we currently expect (breathless triumph for Bolton, heartbreak and the brink of oblivion for Bury), all fans up and down the country can agree that the situations are a disgrace of national as well as local importance.

And fans of Barrow AFC don’t have to think too far back to feel a cold shiver of empathy.

It all reminds me how lucky we are to have our present ownership. Local people who did well, they’re all now trying to put something back into the community and see this club sustainable at the highest possible level.

What we see at clubs like Bury and Bolton is how difficult that can be. Nevertheless, Barrow have invested in their facilities and maintained funding to the first team in a bid to bring the community on board with what’s going on.

The season hasn’t begun as we might have hoped, but take a look down the road at Bury and ask what they would give to be in the pub bemoaning some lax defending at set-pieces.

I know which club I’d rather be following this week.

Through my involvement at Barrow, I’ve come to realise that clubs of our size need a number of things to survive.

Well-meaning owners is a given. Bury and Bolton have both suffered in this regard.

Also, a passionate fan base who understand that they have their own role to play: not always direct action, writing cheques (though that has its place), but in improving attendances, in volunteering and giving time as well as money.

Finally, I believe passionately that we need some outside scrutiny of the sport.

I’m a bigger advocate of free market capitalism than most but, when we live in a world where top flight footballers earn in a week sums of money that might have saved Bury, I fear that the balance has gone.

*Saturday’s trip to Woking was another frustrating one and a familiar story. Barrow seem to have mastered the first half of football matches.

It’s the second half that’s tripping us up. Another lead disappeared as the game wore on and Woking took all three points from a game that The Bluebirds might well have won on another day.

Yes it’s frustrating, and the league table doesn’t make good reading at the moment, but performances are there for all to see – albeit in patches.

Woking currently occupy top spot in this division let’s not forget, and Barrow more than matched them for large periods of the game on Saturday.

What we need is consistency and some more solidity in the back line. Cue the return of Matt Platt from Blackburn who we welcome back to the club and hope can be a difference maker where it really counts at the moment for us: defence.

The beauty of this league is that a chance to correct issues is always just around the corner.

This week we play both home and away, entertaining Hartlepool tonight before the weekend’s long trip to Aldershot.

It’s still early enough in the season to turn things around, but we need to discover the road to recovery quickly.

*I’m always amazed by how many people read this column on a regular basis. It shows the depth of feeling of our fans and their interest in going ‘behind the scenes’ at the club.

For that reason (and because Roger Federer’s quest for Grand Slam No.21 in New York has hampered preparation of anything better) I’ve decided that this week I’d reveal how this column comes together.

The worst kept secret in Furness is the role of Steve Herbert, Trust Chairman, as my co-writer. Lots of weeks (like this one) I do alone.

Most, however, involve at least a 200-word contribution from Steve and some (such as during my recent hospital stay) have seen him take the wheel completely. I can’t thank him enough.

Topic selection is usually settled over a pint if we’re organised, or by an exchange of texts on a Saturday night if not.

Between us I hope we’re managing to provide useful information from Barrow AFC while also finding time to take a look at goings on in the wider world of sport.

If not then, as ever, I’m sure you’ll let me know the next time I’m stopped to explain myself.