Crarey admits he’d like Wilkes at Barrow

Barrow Raiders coach Paul Crarey has admitted that he would like to sign Oliver Wilkes next season.

But Crarey has also quelled speculation that a deal for the Scotland forward is imminent.

“There is a big rumour going around  that he is coming to Barrow, but not as I know of, and no deal has been done so that’s about as I know at this present time,” Crarey told Cumbrian paper the North West Evening Mail.

When Crarey was asked if he would like the player to be at Raiders in 2016, however, the coach was unequivocal in his praise for Wilkes.

“Definitely. He is  a great player and a great lad as well,” he said.

“I have coached him at county level, he played against England. He is really good to have around for his knowledge of the game.

“He is passionate, he is a great trainer, everything you want out of a professional and that’s why  he’s played at that level for so long.

“He would be great for all the younger kids at the club. If it was possible to get him it would be brilliant.

“He is captain of Leigh Centurions, he is not a Barrow player. All we know is we would like to have him if it was possible.”

Crarey knows Wilkes in a personal capacity, and keeps in touch with him on a regular basis.

“I know he is moving to the area, I have spoken to him, he is a friend of mine,” he added.

“I don’t know what he is actually going to do next year until we either get a chance to speak to him or he becomes available.

“His job is with Leigh Centurions until anything changes or we can sit down and have a talk with him if it was possible to get him.”