Barrow appoint Anthony Murray as head coach to succeed Darren Holt

Barrow Raiders have appointed former hooker Anthony Murray as head coach following the departure of Darren Holt at the end of last season.

Murray, 36, played for the Raiders in addition to spells with Warrington, Leigh, Oldham and Lancashire Lynx and has coached amateur side Millom.

He told BBC Radio Cumbria: "I've served my amateur apprenticeship.

"It is a massive step, a big challenge but I look forward to getting stuck in and winning the players' respect."

Holt, who missed part of last season after he was diagnosed with cancer, left after a disappointing campaign which saw the Raiders finish just three points above the relegation places.

The board has opted for a replacement who has spent his post-playing career in the amateur game, and will inherit a squad which has a number of graduates from the non-professional ranks, including Nathan Mossop and Dan Toal.

Murray added: "I've no doubt there will be a few raised eyebrows because of my lack of experience but I played at that level for 10 seasons and under a ream of quality coaches and like to think I gained knowledge from them."