Many thanks to Karl for answering the following questions ahead of our short(!) midweek game at Barrow.
Many thanks to Karl for answering the following questions ahead of our short(!) midweek game at Barrow.
How Long Have You Supported Barrow?
First game was around 21 years ago, but only been a regular since moving back to the area nearly seven years ago.
Last Season’s League Finish?
Top of Conference North – we were out in front, only to be caught and left behind by Fylde at the turn of the year, before they massively screwed up.
What Do You Think Of Your Manager?
He’s certainly done better than expected, turning a relegation threatened team into a promoted one, but general consensus is that he’s short of ideas when it comes to changing a game. Chairman has said he wants him to be here for next 10 years.
Hopes/Expectations This Season?
I’ve said mid-table would be about right since before the season, and the last two games (beating Eastleigh and a draw away at Braintree) have reaffirmed that in my mind. The hope is to be promoted before too long.
One(s) To Watch?
Obviously Cook is the main man, but Haworth is most capable of creating something from nothing. Danny Pilkington is back and excites, and young Elliott Newby looks like a future star and will feature from the bench.
You have two ex-Imps in your ranks in the shape of Mo Fofana and Ashley Grimes. How have they both done so far this season?
Mo was great in the first game and picked up Man of the Match, but then was totally useless for the next couple and has barely been seen since. Through illness and injury, and Walker’s decent form, Grimes hasn’t had a look in – we’ve heard about his temperament, and people are already suggesting there’s been a fall-out. Hoping they might both come good as they have something.
You spent two seasons in the Conference North after relegation before bouncing back. It hasn’t been a massive amount of time, but have you noticed any difference?
Aside from a few new teams, I think the standard is about the same. We always did okay at home and terrible away, so that’s still the same!
Back in the summer of 2014 you were taken over by a Dallas-based business man with links to Barrow. Can you explain what they are, what changes have taken place, and what his aims are for the football Club. Are you another FGR/Eastleigh?
His links are that he was born and brought up here, but moved to the States after university to set up a telecoms company. He said that he wanted to be in the League in five years, and League One in 10 – and we’re currently one season ahead in his grand plan.
The money thrown around so far hasn’t been huge for a Conference side, and I’d say our budget is about average for now. But I think there will be one or two surprises in the coming years. He’s already stuck to one part of his plan – to give the team a Cumbrian feel – upping the quota from 0 to 8 in the squad.
Top Five Predictions?
We’ve played FGR and Grimsby, and they’re probably top two. Haven’t seen Wrexham and Gateshead, but they’ve got strong squads, and Tranmere will surely find their feet too.
Bottom Four Predictions?
Southport are as bad as any team we played last season in Conference North, Kidderminster and Torquay might get demoted regardless, and Guiseley could end up struggling as they’re essentially the same team that were well off the pace last season.
Thoughts on Lincoln City?
Can’t say that too many of the players are familiar, and that you’re known to have struggled financially in recent years, but they were always fairly close games at Holker Street from what I recall. Our co-commentator against Braintree on the radio was ex-Wales man Andy Legg who kept warning how much of a direct, long ball team Lincoln is – no idea how he knows that…
Still think of you as a Football League set-up, even though it’s been a while now.
Score Prediction?
3-2. We’ve struggled to score more than one this season, but I think we’ll be a bit gung-ho with this one.
Random Fact About Your Club?
Current squad player Niall Cowperthwaite is son of Colin, voted the greatest Barrow player of all-time, and (I think) is still in the Guinness Book of Records for fastest goal in an English game, at 3.5 seconds.
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