WE are ready to go – that’s the verdict of Barrow AFC head coach Stephen Clemence on the eve of the new season.

The Bluebirds host Crewe Alexandra at Holker Street tomorrow as they kick-off their 2024/25 campaign.

Having taken over as head coach in the summer, this will be Clemence’s first league game as Barrow AFC boss.

And it is a prospect he is clearly relishing.

He said: “I’m ready to get started now. I’m looking forward to it.

“We’ve had quite a long pre-season, we’ve been at it for about six weeks, so I think we’ve done more than enough now, we’ve had enough games, and the real stuff needs to begin and see where we are at.”

In terms of where Barrow are at, Clemence is pleased with the work which has been done, and is still ongoing.

“I think we are in a good place,” he added.

“The boys, from a fitness point of view, are where they need to be.

“I’ve been really encouraged by what I’ve seen on the training ground.”

Having taken over following the departure of Pete Wild, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Birmingham City midfielder has been keen to bring in a new style of playing.

He said: “There’s been some changes made from how they’ve played previously to where they are now, and that’s not me being critical of anything that’s gone on before it’s just obviously every coach sees things differently.

“They’ve been very receptive to that.

“I think in all of the games we have played, the results haven’t always been there, but I have always come away with more positives than negatives when I’ve looked back at the game.

“Obviously you can do OK in pre-season and you still never know what the season is going to bring, but I honestly believe by looking at the squad there is signs of encouragement.”

Clemence is looking forward to leading out the Bluebirds in his first league game in charge of the club.

And he hopes the blue and white faithful will play their part.

He said “I’ve experienced being at Holker Street in front of a big crowd not so long ago when I was at Gillingham and I’m really looking forward to being in the home dug out, and hearing that support behind myself and the team.

“If we are going to achieve anything this season, then we are all going to need to do it together.

“I think the crowd have a big part to play in that.

“Obviously, it’s down to the boys to bring that energy, and that desire, and that work rate.

“And they have to bring some good attacking playing and intent, and when they see that we need the crowd to get right behind us, and make it as difficult as possible for any opponent that comes to visit us.

“I think if we do that, we’ll have a good season.”