Barrow Boss Comitted To Season Long Philosophy For League Two Run-In

Barrow manager Pete Wild is focused on the club’s long-term approach of amassing points rather than looking at league position as the Bluebirds gear up for their League Two play-off push. 

Barrow are one of the most in-form teams in League Two and have notched 11 points from their last six matches – the fifth-best return in the division, as reported by Whoscored. Wild’s side were unbeaten in six, winning four and drawing twice before a 2-1 defeat at Morecambe on Easter Monday.

The Bluebirds have also taken points from potential play-off rivals in recent weeks to bolster their hopes of a top-seven finish in League Two. A 2-0 victory at home against Gillingham started Barrow’s upturn in form and the Cumbrian outfit also held Walsall and Harrogate to draws.

These improvements have helped the Bluebirds to create a seven-point gap between themselves and Morecambe in eighth place. However, Barrow will face a tense League Two run-in, where they come up against fellow play-off chasers Crawley and Gillingham in the final six matches of the season.

Despite the potential challenges ahead, Wild told the North West Evening Mail that his side must focus on their consistent goal for the campaign. From the outset of the 2023/24 season, the 39-year-old has stressed the importance that his side target points rather than any particular league position.

The points per game that we have set ourselves has been great this year. It means that we are just competing against us in like a league of one – us versus us.

“We know where we need to be in terms of our points per game, and how many we need to get and when we need to get them. So we are firmly on track with that, and that sort of keeps them (the players) away from looking at league tables.

“Don’t get me wrong I’m not naïve enough to think that some of them don’t look at the league tables.

“But looking at points rather than the tables hasn’t done too badly for us so far this season, and think everyone has bought into that and continues to buy into it, which is really pleasing.”

Writer’s View

The approach from Wild to focus on points rather than league position should help his side focus and cut out any external noise for the League Two finale. Some twists and turns are anticipated. but looking at the broader picture of consistently picking up points is a smart focus, rather than becoming fixated on making the playoffs as the ultimate goal.

Such an approach could be particularly handy in those two potentially season-defining trips south to Gillingham and Crawley in mid-April. Yet, the Bluebirds are currently in a strong position and will be well aware that taking a few more points from those around them could guarantee a spot in League Two’s top seven.

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