Mark Cooper has challenged his players to give Bluebirds supporters an away day to remember as they prepare for the derby trip to face Carlisle United at Brunton Park on Saturday.
Barrow fans were left frustrated last term when COVID-19 restrictions meant both fixtures against their Cumbrian rivals were played behind closed doors.
However, there is no such trouble this time around and an army of over 1,600 Bluebirds will descend on Brunton Park on Saturday to witness the first Cumbrian derby in front of supporters since the 1960s.
The importance of the League Two fixture isn’t lost on boss Cooper, and he had admitted he can’t wait to experience it for himself for the first time this weekend.
“It’s an exciting game and I am looking forward to it,” Cooper told iFollow.
“I expect there will be a good atmosphere and a great travelling support from our fans, so I just hope it’s a good game.
“I have been on big away days as a fan myself when I was a lad. It’s what it’s all about isn’t it? Getting up early to meet your mates, catching the train and getting into town early for a few beers – and if your team can produce as well and score a couple of goals it is the perfect away day!
“It’s been so long without a derby with fans so there’s a lot of anticipation and I imagine both sets of supporters will be right at it, as well as the players, so it has all the ingredients for a cracking game.
“We have got to go and impose ourselves and have a right go – it’s a local derby and you have to get on the front foot.
“They have won their last two, so they’ll be starting to have some confidence, but it’s a derby so that all goes out the window. It’s about who wants it the most and who is right at it.”
Click here now to watch our full pre-match video interview with Mark Cooper on iFollow.