Barrow Raiders directors have shelled out more winning pay than they budgeted before ahead of the season – but they are delighted.
Club chairman Steve Neale, the driving force behind Barrow’s rise from League One champions to the Championship play-offs, says the club has acted responsibly on finance.
Barrow have two home fixtures remaining in the Championship and have decided to make a slight reduction in the online ticketing discount, although they will still be the club with the cheapest entry cost in the second tier.
In a message to the fans Neale said: “The board of directors’ primary concern is the financial stability of the club and make no apologies for making the decision. All directors are privileged to represent the club’s members and cannot afford to be irresponsible.
“The additional funds will go a small way to offsetting the better than expected season we have enjoyed, and with it slightly more winning pay than budgeted. We are all delighted that we have this problem.
“Looking further ahead, our aim is to be consistent Championship play-off contenders in the short-term, but we simply must improve our facilities, at considerable cost, if we are to be a contender for Super League.
“Your support for our off-field events such as the tribute concert on Super Sunday August 28 and Oktoberfest on Friday September 30 and Saturday October 1 has allowed us to put together a quality, entertaining team and to help fund our ladies’ teams and community programme.
“Your continued support will allow us to put a facilities improvement plan together.
“The business model of using Craven Park as much as possible has cast envious glances from our rivals, and your continued support is vital beyond match days. The people of South Cumbria deserve a successful club and we are determined to deliver.”
On Sunday, Barrow visit another of the play-off sides Batley Bulldogs when they will be without the suspended Jarrod Sammut.
“It means we will have Jake (Carter) and Ryan (Johnson) at half-back but we have done well whenever they’ve played together,” said coach Paul Crarey.
