This week, head coach Paul Crarey will further cement his name in the Barrow RLFC history books by surpassing the all-time record for number of games in charge.

Last weekend against London Broncos, Crarey celebrated his 349th game in charge, equalling the previous club record held by the late Frank Foster, who coached Barrow between 1973-83 and led the club to promotion to the top flight on three separate occasions (in 1975-76, 1977-78 and 1979-80).

This week, Crarey will claim the record in his own right as he takes charge of a remarkable 350th competitive game for the club away at Oldham in Round 21 of the Betfred Championship.

Crarey first coached the Raiders from October 2005 until the end of the 2007 season.

He returned for a second spell in September 2014, at the request of then-chairman Dave Sharpe, and has been in charge ever since.

During his time at the helm, Crarey has guided the club to two promotions from League One (2017 and 2021). He also led the way to silverware via the iPro Sport (League One) Cup in 2017, defeating North Wales Crusaders 38-32 in the final at Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road.

2022 saw Crarey guide the club to a memorable play-off finish in the Betfred Championship, and this season has also seen the club push for the top six once again, challenging alongside teams with far greater budgets.

Reflecting on his time in charge, Crarey said: “It’s gone by quickly really. Dave Sharpe [only] brought me in to steady the ship. He said, ‘give me one year’ after I left in 2007.

“In 2014/15 I came back in, and 10 years later I’m still here! There have been a lot of ups and downs, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

“I’m probably nearer the end of finishing rather than starting again because I won’t be doing another 10 years, that’s for sure.

“I just want to thank all the fans, the players and the staff I’ve worked with. They’ve been brilliant, especially Steve Rea and Andy Gaffney.

“John Flynn and Macca [Paul McMillan] who are with me now have been great, and I’ve enjoyed the last few years with those fellas.

“It’s been a rollercoaster ride, but [it means a lot] to be part of the history of this great club.”

Want to be in with a chance of winning our £25,000 jackpot? Click here to join the Raiders Lottery!