WILL METCALFE

@ thewillmetcalfe

The big talking point is the new boss. Pete Wild [ below] did a good job at Halifax but this will be a big test. He’s a young, ambitious guy and hopefully the squad he builds will reflect that. This season will be different because there’s a lot of turnover at our level – and we’ve lost top scorer Ollie Banks.

Our key player will be Paul Farman. The goalkeeper will be busy.

I won’t be happy unless... well, to be honest, Barrow fans expect absolutely nothing. I’ll be very happy with some more magical FA Cup moments like the FA Cup Third Round game against Barnsley. We lost 5- 4 in extra time but our 10 men matched their 11 all over the park. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps. The thing my club really gets right is away days. You’re guaranteed to bump into supporters you know, and be made welcome if you don’t. Fans think our owner is in need of steadying the ship.

Our most underrated player is all of them – some of the snobbiness we get for being a small club from a forgotten corner of the country is unreal. James Jones [ above] has shown leadership.

Fans think our ground is tiny! But name another Football League ground where you have an unfettered view of the Lake District fells. The one change I’d make would be to improve the transport links to the ground. Thankfully, the manky gents’ toilets are now long gone.

Look out for late goals. We never do anything easily. The opposition player I’d love here is

Dom Telford, who’s just joined Crawley. We need goals, so he’d be a shoo- in. The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is good, because he’s new. He’s untested but he also has our full backing. If he left, he should be replaced by preferably not some has- been former Premier League flop...

The active player I’d love to have

back is Scott Quigley. He always did a great job for us, and I think he could work well if John Rooney stays.

The player I’d happily drive to another club is anyone wanting out. Don’t stay if your heart’s not in it.

We’ll finish 16th.

FFT VERDICT

19TH

Barrow’s first two campaigns back in the League have been dogfights, but Wild may change that, having previously worked wonders with Oldham and Halifax. The Bluebirds possess a decent XI when they’re managed correctly, but still look a tad short on depth and firepower.