Barrow midfielder Sam Foley attributes the club's strong start to the season to the unique dressing-room culture that has been cultivated over the years. The Bluebirds are currently sitting second in the League Two table, behind early leaders Notts County, with 13 points from their first six matches. This impressive performance comes after ninth and eighth-placed finishes in the previous two seasons under former manager Pete Wild. Foley highlights the key role that geography plays in shaping Barrow's identity. The club's location in the southwest corner of Cumbria, far from the bustling football hubs of the EFL, has fostered a strong sense of unity and purpose among the players.
Barrow's Culture: A Defining Factor
"To play for Barrow, you need to be a certain character, a certain personality," Foley emphasizes. "That is something that has developed over the years." The club's remote location, with players splitting their time between training in north Manchester and traveling up to Cumbria for matches, has created a unique environment that has fostered a strong team spirit. This, Foley explains, allows Barrow to stand out from the crowd and "stick our chest out and say 'We know what we are, we know what we can bring' and we can punch it with the best."
A New Era of Success
Barrow's recent success under new head coach Stephen Clemence is a testament to the strong foundations laid by previous manager Pete Wild. The Bluebirds are no longer a surprise package and have become a force to be reckoned with in League Two. Clemence highlights the belief within the dressing room and the team's ability to go anywhere and get a result. "We believe we can go anywhere and get a result and anyone who comes to us will get a very good game." Clemence is particularly impressed with the squad's depth and the team's ability to contribute regardless of their level of involvement. "I’ve got some very good players in that dressing room, a good squad. You saw that today with players who haven’t been involved much coming in and contributing."
Maintaining Momentum
Clemence understands that the key to sustained success is to maintain the current momentum and build upon the strong start. "It’s been a good start, and we are happy with that, but it doesn’t count for anything if we don’t keep it up or don’t build on it." The manager acknowledges the players' responsibility in bringing their game plans to life. "You can point out to the players where you think there will be an opportunity to get space maybe, or give them ideas on the training pitch. And then you can give them ideas of what to expect from a defensive point of view and what we are going to have to do to keep the opponent at bay. But once the boys cross over that white line, they’ve got to bring it all to life."
The Future is Bright
Barrow's current success is not merely a flash in the pan but a reflection of the strong foundations that have been built over the years. Their unique culture, combined with Clemence's leadership and the players' commitment, promises a bright future for the Bluebirds as they continue to strive for greatness in League Two.
