Bayliss says his team need to improve defensively

Barrow joint-manager Dave Bayliss says he would be happy to commit his long-term future to the Blue Square Premier club.

The FA Cup progress of the Bluebirds this season has brought admiration for the efforts of Bayliss and fellow boss Darren Sheridan.

"We want to stay here for a long, long time." Bayliss told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"It's a brilliant club. The supporters are fantastic and we are loving every minute of it."

Bayliss and Sheridan took over at Holker Street in November 2007 following the departure of Phil Wilson.

The pair led the team from third-bottom to promotion via the Blue Square North play-off final on the back of a 20-game unbeaten run.

The Bluebirds now face an FA Cup third round tie at Middlesbrough on 3 January after knocking out League Two Brentford in the previous round.

"This time next year we'll still hopefully be in the job if the lads keep on getting good results." Bayliss said.

"Hopefully the fans will remain behind us when it does go a little bit rocky which it will do at some point."

Bayliss was critical of his side's display in Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Altrincham at Holker Street.

Jason Walker put Barrow ahead before Barrow conceded two first-half goals to trail 2-1 at the break.

Paul Jones earned Barrow a point with an equaliser in the second-half.

"We started the game really brightly again but then for some reason we went slack," Bayliss said.

"We missed two or three good chances to kill the game and one schoolboy error at the back has cost us.

"In the end we've got a draw but to be honest me and Darren (Sheridan) feel sick with that because we should have won."

606: DEBATE With the mangers Barrow have and what they have done for the team I think a draw could be gained at Boro BARROWAFC

Bayliss said the team would have to improve defensively in the coming weeks.

"We always create chances but defensively we are so sloppy at times." he said.

"I thought we had knocked all those silly mistakes out of us but they've crept back in.

"To move up this league we've got to start keeping clean sheets."

The Bluebirds now face an anxious wait to see if on-loan goalkeeper Alan Martin will be recalled by his parent club Leeds as manager Gary McAllister looks to end a disappointing run of form.

"They can all be brought back from their loans." he told BBC Radio Leeds.

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