I must admit I'm more than impressed with the speed that things are moving behind the scenes with regards to the Bod. We now have a new coaching team in place.
We have recently held an open fans forum where fans could ask questions to the potential new board.
An AGM is planned for later this month where the new board will be voted on.
The next step is to obviously try and put a competitive squad together.
On the down side we have been saddled with over 600k worth of debt thanks to the old regime.

Quick question does anybody know if Andy Ballard will be at the club next season, surely he's one that has done enough over the last few years and we need to keep hopefully he will not be too dear, another out of towner who now lives locally I would be more than happy to retain is Martin Ostler.

Of last season squad who do we have left, once we have omitted all the high earners off our books.

1) Andy Ballard?
2) Mike Backhouse
3) Chris Larkin
4) Liam Harrison?
5) James Nixon (I believe he's fit and raring to go)
6) Liam Finch
7) Liam Campbell
Jamie Butler
9) Nathan Mossop?
10)Prop???????
11) Martin Ostler?
12) 2nd row ????
13) Loose Fwd ????
14) Prop ???
15 Prop ?????
16) 2nd Row/???
17) Darren Holt


Squad
Marc Dixon
Nick Beech?

I wonder if they have included the mortgage in that £550,000???

I bloody hope so K6 or we really will be in the doo doo.

It would be interesting to know how much the mortgage actually is, so we can see how much debt the last BOD actually got us into.

I sincerely hope there are no more surprises waiting for us K6R.

So far then our squad is

Liam Campbell
Nathan Mossop
Marc Dixon
Mike Backhouse
Liam Finch
Mike Botes

I hope not either. A question I shall ask at the debenture meeting though.

And also a certain Mr Holt !

Threequarters: Backhouse, Dixon
Halfbacks: Holt, Campbell, Finch
Forwards: Mossop, Botes(?)

The BOD stated that they are looking to get a squad of at least 24 together for 2012. Just 17 more to go !!

With the exception of Botes, all those signed so far have some Championship experience with the likes of Campbell and Finch having faired very well against SL opposition in the past. Remember Finch and Campbell tearing Wigan a new @reshole at Craven Park in 2009. Campbell also had a great game against Cas (and Ranghi Chase) in 2010.

If we can sign up the majority of last seasons 'locals', then we'll have a squad that has a massive amount of Championship experience. Add to those some of the best amateurs/RU players from the area and maybe a handful of out-of-towners/overseas players and we'll be looking very good for 2012. The club has ALWAYS had out-of-towners and/or overseas players on the books - from the 30's, through the great 40's/50's teams, the 70's/80's and yes, even in the very darkest days of the early 90's. That will always be the case, but we certainly need more locals coming through the ranks than we've had in the last 3 or 4 years.

There has been as lot of good work going on over the last few months with regards to the Service Area and I'm sure the new BOD will see this as a key objective over the next few years. With the likes of Dean Marwood and Cresta helping out with local player pathways, the future for the amateur game in the area looks good as well.

Lot's to dop, but lots to be looking forward to. It needs ALL the fans to do their bit, no matter how small. It's OUR club and it will be a great as WE allow it to be.

Onwards and upwards from here. Roll on 2012 !

heard a rumour today that ballard is coming to the nw crusaders next season. any good?

Defo a player that I wanted to retain at Barrow, apparently we couldn't afford what he was asking. A very good winger who scored plenty of tries for us can also fill in as fullback and is a more than useful goal kicker, he is certainly one player that can leave with his head held high, unlike some over the over paid rubbish we have had over the last few seasons, which is more than partly the reason we are in the mess we are in now!

Three more signings announced today ....

Liam Harrison, James Finch and Ruairi McGoff

Threequarters: Backhouse, Harrison, Finch (J), Dixon
Halfbacks: Holt, Campbell, Finch (L)
Forwards: Mossop, Botes, McGoff

Slowly building. So glad we've managed to keep hold of the Bull. Onwards and Upwards

Yes the squads starting to take shape now, especailly happy to see Harrison re-sign, he should run riot in this division.

Interesting to read that James Finch and Liam Harrison may be utilised as forwards next season. I've thought for some time that Harrison would make a great forward.

Another 3 signings bringing the squad up to a total of 13 players.rlhttp://www.barrowrlfc.com/barrow_rugby_newsdetails.asp?newsID

[iThreequarters[/iLarkin, Low
[iHalfbacks[/iKaighan,
[iForwards[/i: Mossop, Botes, McGoff

Still desperately short in the pack though.