Carl Forster to be player-coach in Championship next season

Barrow prop Carl Forster will combine his playing duties alongside an assistant coaching role in the Championship next season.

The 29-year-old prop has signed a new one-year deal with the Raiders. He will join Barrow’s coaching staff as an assistant coach to Paul Crarey at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium alongside his playing duties.

The St-Helens born forward was named Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year at the club’s end of season presentation, and impressed throughout the 2021 campaign which saw Crarey’s side lift the League Leaders’ Shield.

Forster said: “I’m really made up to be staying at Barrow.

“It was a no-brainer really. I’ve loved my time here since day one and hopefully next year will be the same.

“I’m obviously looking forward to the different challenge that is the Championship next season, but I believe with the squad we have and what the club are doing off the field that we will be able to challenge in the competition.

“There is a buzz around the club and in the camp at the minute and I’m just glad to be a small part of that.”

Barrow coach full of praise for Carl Forster

Crarey said: “It’s great that Carl has agreed to re-sign.

“If anyone deserves a contract, Carl does. He has been outstanding for the club both on and off the field. We are also welcoming Carl onto our coaching team as in the Championship the requirement states you have to have two assistants and we feel with our travelling players, we need someone in Lancashire to take sessions and monitor players if they can’t get through or have missed training and need an added session.

“We feel that Carl would be a good fit for us with his professionalism and knowledge of training venues, and we hope to help in his development of coaching for later in his career.”