Opposition lowdown: A closer look at Barrow

With just two games left what has been your assessment of Barrow's season?

"I think it's fair to say that this season has been a struggle.

"We never expected an easy ride this season but the fact we're on our third manager of the season does quite sum up our season.

"For me, it's remarkable that despite going through so many changes and the board admitting to making mistakes over the duration of the season, we find ourselves safe with two games to go.

"It's a testament to Rob Kelly but it's also a testament to the board for admitting their mistakes and acting upon them quickly."

How much of a step up has it been from the National League?

"There are some major differences from the National League.

"We learnt first-hand at the start of the season that you'll be punished for your errors a lot more.

"It's rare that you can afford to surrender possession in crucial areas and get away with it.

"We lost a lot of points this season through individual errors although I do feel as though we have improved towards the end of the season with this.

"It's something that we'll learn from this season. This season was about getting our feet under the table so albeit having done it the hard way, we can now look to improve."

Southend now look certain to be in the National League next season. What can we expect?

"It's well-known that teams who are relegated from League Two do tend to struggle in the National League with a few exceptions.

"It's a very physical league where the standard seems to be improving each year with the very best clubs.

"This year it appears to be very tightly contested with a host of ex-Football League sides towards the summit.

"It is a very competitive division - certainly helped by the varying levels of playing-surfaces and styles of play.

"Unfortunately, Southend look like they are heading down with a lot of problems off-the-field. That always makes achieving a return harder.

"It's certainly not a league to approach with full confidence that you'll 'walk it.'

"It can often be a struggle as teams like Chesterfield have found out in recent years."

Since March time Barrow really seen to have improved. What do you put it down to, is it purely Rob Kelly being named manager again?

"Personally, yes.

"Rob has transformed this side. Previously, we looked bereft of confidence and I think we were all consigned to an early return to the National League.

"However, the job he has done since taking caretaker charge for the second time has been astonishing.

"His record in charge speaks volumes and the players speak highly of him.

"There were some factions under the previous management but Rob quickly put these to bed and was able to grind out results and get the very best out of his players.

"Some credit has to go to the players of course and in particular Jason Taylor who returned to the side to take the captain's armband and lead by example every single game. He has been faultless and we owe a lot of thanks to those two."

Now Barrow are safe do you think the team might switch off a bit or will Saturday still be important to them?

"We have nothing to play for at this point but at the same time, there's no pressure on us and we may use that to our advantage.

"It's tough to say given we still don't know whether Rob Kelly will take the job on a full-time basis."

Who would you say is the dangerman?

"Scott Quigley will be our biggest threat. He played fantastically on Tuesday night and was a menace throughout the game.

"A tally of 14 goals for the season sums up his ability in-front of goal."

What's the team news for the weekend?

"There were a few changes in midweek with the reintroduction of Connor Brown being the main talking-point.

"Brad Barry was forced off in the second-half so I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't feature whilst Tom Davies has also been a recent absentee.

"Mike Jones has been a long-term casualty and he'll miss out.

"I'm interested to see if we stick to a similar side to midweek or if we may see a couple of changes to allow fringe players an opportunity."