Bayliss has been impressed by his squad's fitness

Barrow joint-manager Dave Bayliss has challenged his side to emulate Morecambe's success in getting into the Football League.

The Bluebirds, who dropped out of the league in 1972, are now back in Conference football for the first time in nine years.

"Morecambe are a club we can aspire to," Bayliss told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"They've established themselves in the Football League. It's a great example for a club like us."

Barrow won promotion from the Blue Square North with a 1-0 play-off final win against Stalybridge Celtic in May following a 20-game unbeaten run.

We set them what we thought was a hard session but they have all looked really good Dave Bayliss

They will kick-off their new campaign at home to Oxford United on Friday 8 August (1930 BST). And Bayliss reckons his team have returned from their summer break in excellent shape.

"We've been very surprised as to just how fit they are. We knew that they were naturally fit anyway but they have come back and surprised even our expectations.

"They have breezed through all the running. We set them what we thought was a hard session but they have all looked really good."

The Bluebirds will play six friendlies in July, including home fixtures against Morecambe (Tuesday 15 July) and Oldham Athletic (Wednesday 30 July).