Barrow Coach Stephen Clemence Confident of Team Improvement

Barrow’s head coach, Stephen Clemence, has expressed his “no doubt” that the team’s performance will improve with the return of several “key players.” This comes as Barrow currently holds the longest winless streak among all League Two sides. The Bluebirds’ winless streak in League Two has now reached nine games (four draws, five losses), following their 1-0 loss to league leaders Walsall on Saturday. After securing five victories in their initial seven matches, Barrow has managed to earn only three points in the subsequent 12 games. This downturn has resulted in their descent from the top of the table on 21 September to 15th position. Kian Spence, Gerard Garner, and Emile Acquah, who had been sidelined in recent weeks, all returned to play at the weekend. Clemence acknowledged that recent results “haven’t been good enough lately” but expressed confidence that his team can resume winning. Speaking to BBC Radio Cumbria, Clemence stated, “What I will say about our performance is first and foremost, I’m really pleased to have a lot of our key players back now. I don’t think we’re a million miles away but I can’t keep saying it. Unfortunately, most games we’re either drawing one each or we’re losing 1-0.” He further added, “It’s got to change and around the penalty box, we’ve got to start doing a little bit better. I do think in the next number of weeks, things will improve. I’ve got no doubt about it.” Clemence acknowledged the increased scrutiny that accompanies a period of poor results and is targeting the upcoming home fixture against Fleetwood on Saturday as an opportunity for the team to rebound. He also stated, “There is no one that puts more pressure on themselves than me. Of course, pressure does build if you’re not winning games. The group are together. I can see they’re working hard for me and that’s all I care about.”