Barrow Raiders to get freedom - Garry Schofield

Schofield had 13 games in charge at Huddersfield in 1998

Barrow head coach Garry Schofield says his players will be encouraged to express themselves during his reign at Craven Park.

The former Huddersfield Giants coach took charge of the Raiders last week, succeeding Steve McCormack who resigned in August.

"Players can express themselves without having the coach on their back," Schofield told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"I'm sure the players will be delighted at what they're going to hear."

Schofield added: "Unfortunately the way that some coaches are, and I'm not saying this is the coaches who were here before at Barrow, just seem to state what they can do in their own ability.

"So my players themselves will be looking to express themselves, play with the ball in hand, to enjoy every moment of playing the game and entertain the crowd.

"The crowd do get behind them here at Craven Park, and we're looking to put the smiles back on their faces, by doing a job on the field which is playing enterprising rugby league."

Barrow won the Championship Grand Final in 2009, but former Great Britain international Schofield inherits a side that struggled to replicate that success last season.

Raiders finished fourth, 17 points off minor Premier winners Featherstone Rovers and were ousted from the play-offs by Sheffield.

But the Challenge Cup win over Castleford Tigers and an impressive display in defeat by St Helens hinted at the potential within the club.

And Schofield has been quick to bolster the Cumbrians' ranks with the additions of Crusaders prop Jamie Thackray and Halifax hooker Mark Gleeson.

I've got the right balance in this Raiders outfit, what I've got on paper so far, I'm delighted with

Barrow coach Garry Schofield

"I've got the right balance in this Raiders outfit," added Schofield. "When I look at a team I like to see pace in the backs, creativity, and also organisation from my half-backs. From the hooker I want good communication, and from the forwards, mobility and a bit of speed.

"Jamie Thackray will bring experience to us and a bit of toughness, while with Mark Gleeson our organisation is going to be excellent.

"As far as bringing more people in, you never know with injuries and all that sort of thing, but what I've got on paper so far, I'm delighted with."