Half-back Ryan Johnston says he’s living the dream after being appointed as the new captain of Barrow Raiders.
With the friendlies out of the way, and the Championship due to start this week-end, coach Paul Crarey has selected Johnston to lead the team.
Johnston said: “Everyone has dreams of their own, and now I get to live out mine.
“From a kid watching on the terraces, all I ever wanted to do was play for Barrow. I certainly owe a few thank yous to my family for supporting me through everything, and to Paul Crarey as well.
“Without him, none of this would’ve been possible. He saw something in me that no-one else did and guided me when I needed it. He gave me my opportunity and I’ll be forever grateful.
“When he told me the news about the captaincy, I was full of emotion. But saying that, nothing changes for me.
“Everyone thinks I’m a lad who just loves a laugh and joke, but when I play for Barrow, it all changes. I try my best to get a result for the club and fans, and good or bad, I’ll give my 100%.
“This is more than a club to me. It’s my family, my town. To every fan who believed in me, I’m proud to be your club captain.”
Johnston joined the Raiders in 2017. In doing so, he became the first player to make the step up to the first team from Furness Raiders – the club’s development pathway.
A boyhood Barrow supporter, he has gone on to represent the club 135 times in all competitions, featuring in both Betfred League 1 and the Betfred Championship.
Johnston has been a key figure within the dressing room for a number of years, and on-field performances saw him earn a new three-year deal back in September 2023, running until the end of the coming 2026 season.
Full-back Luke Cresswell has also been appointed vice-captain to Johnston, having spent over a decade in Barrow colours.
“Everyone has dreams of their own, and now I get to live out mine,” Johnston said.
“From a kid watching on the terraces, all I ever wanted to do was play for Barrow. I certainly owe a few thank yous to my family for supporting me through everything, and to Cresta [Paul Crarey] as well.
“Without him, none of this would’ve been possible. He saw something in me that no-one else did and guided me when I needed it. He gave me my opportunity and I’ll be forever grateful.
“When he told me the news about the captaincy, I was full of emotion. But saying that, nothing changes for me.
“Everyone thinks I’m a lad who just loves a laugh and joke, but when I play for Barrow, it all changes. I try my best to get a result for the club and fans, and good or bad, I’ll give my 100%.
“This is more than a club to me. It’s my family, my town. To every fan who believed in me, I’m proud to be your club captain.”
Luke Cresswell has been named as vice-captain and he and Johnston have played alongside each other for a while.
Barrow Raiders head coach Crarey said: “Many things are taken into consideration when selecting a skipper, and Ryan epitomises what we are after in a captain.
“He has been a part of our journey from the age of 17 and is now established as one of the top half-backs in the division. Ryan is a natural leader and has impressed us all with the way he has worked his way back to fitness following major surgery.
“He has trained the house down pre-season and has earned the right to be captain by leading the way in all sessions, and encouraging everyone else at the same time.”
