BARROW RAIDERS and long-serving Paul Crarey are playing the waiting game over his future as coach.

The highly-respected former Barrow player, known as Cresta, began a second spell at the helm in September 2014, when he succeeded Bobbie Goulding.

Crarey, 60, was previously in charge for the 2006 and 2007 seasons, after which he had a short stint at Whitehaven.

He led the Raiders to promotion from League One in 2017 and 2021, when they were champions.

His side this year finished sixth, winning 17 of 24 matches, and made the play-offs for the first time since 2022.

However while beating Sheffield 26-10 at the Speed Competitions Stadium, they suffered two defeats at Doncaster, the first 72-0, then 56-12 in a sudden-death tie.

“I’ve got to have a think with my family,” Crarey told the club’s social-media channels.

“There’s a lot going on in my life at the moment off the field and it’s been the toughest year on it.

“There’s only so much you can do as a coach and probably people might be a little bit sick of me by now, being here for so long.

“So I’m going to enjoy a little bit of time with my family and we’ll just have a think and see what the club want to do and see where we are in the next few weeks.”

Meanwhile Barrow have praised their supporters after averaging more than 2,000 at home this year.

“That figure will be the envy of many clubs in our division, and that unwavering support is appreciated,” they said.