McCormack led Gatehead to Championship safety

Barrow Raiders have appointed former Gateshead and Whitehaven boss Steve McCormack as head coach.

McCormack only left Gateshead on Wednesday and the Championship Grand Final winners moved quickly to offer him the post.

Barrow had been without a permanent head coach since ex-Catalans and Oldham boss Steve Deakin left in August.

Previous Raiders head coach Dave Clark was placed in caretaker charge, but stepped down at the end of the season.

He will be staying on at the club as McCormack's assistant.

Scotland coach McCormack is currently away on European Cup duty with his side, a squad which includes Raiders wing James Nixon.

But his appointment is a boost for Barrow chairman Des Johnston, who is hopeful that he will bring out the best in the Raiders, as he did with Cumbrian rivals Whitehaven.

"I have built up a very firm friendship and professional relationship with Steve over the past three to four years and I'm delighted he has accepted the position of head coach," said Johnston.

"He knows the club and staff very well and he will prove to be a major asset in the club's progress."

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