Rookie boss backed from across the pond

By David Watters

Barrow AFC's American owner Paul Casson is backing Darren Edmondson's side to hold their own in the top half of the Vanarama National League table this season.

Dallas-based businessman Casson, pictured, bought the club for £600,000 in September 2014 and reckons he has given Edmondson a competitive budget. Now he wants to see the Bluebirds win the league and secure promotion within two years.

Casson, who insists he is not prepared to “thrown silly money around” at the newly-promoted team’s budget, said: “We’re trying to build sustainability and a long-range future. We’re not going for the instant gratification.

“I don’t think anybody in this football club on the playing or management sides are expecting this club to be in the bottom half of the Conference this year.”

Bluebirds supporters

Bluebirds supporters

With the Bluesbirds set to kick off their campaign against Dover Athletic at Holker Street on Saturday, Casson also confirmed that he has every confidence in the management team put together by Edmondson who has never managed in the top tier of Non-League football.

He added: “I think he’s a fast learner so he’ll learn quickly. Many of the players are new to each other so it will take time. Hopefully, it won’t take too long.”

Where next?

On the up but not out of the woods yet Kidderminster Harriers’ financial situation is improving – but chairman Rod Brown is warning that there is a still a long way to go before they balance the books at the Vanarama National League club.
Vastly experienced pair sign for Saints Vanarama National League North club Brackley Town have signed experienced defender or midfielder Pablo Mills.

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