Rob Kelly says his decision to bring senior players back into the fold at Barrow AFC is part of his move to build a united front.

The Bluebirds host Mansfield today (kick-off 3pm) in their latest bid to grab vital points in their survival bid.

Kelly has brought the likes of Sam Hird and Jason Taylor firmly back into things since taking caretaker charge.

Hird is assisting Kelly while Taylor has returned to regular midfield action.

Kelly said their know-how can prove vital in the coming weeks.

“When you’re in trouble, when you’re in the position we’re in, you only get through that by being united – and they’re not just words,” he said.

“From when the club asked me to help them and take charge, I just wanted everyone together, I didn’t want it just to be a word.

“The club have supported that and of course it helps that [these players] have a lot of experience to add in games.

“We’ve got an inexperienced staff, apart from myself, and I don’t mean that in a bad way.

“The staff have got lots of energy, they’re learning on the job a little bit and it’s a new role for Sam, but it’s good, it brings a freshness for me – he knows the dressing room, knows the players.

“Having those senior boys is important, but also it’s not just about that. Everybody around and involved in the squad and team all have a role to play.

“It might be for three minutes at the end of the game, one of the staff taking a warm-up… we’ve all got to commit to it.

“The fact we’re all pitching in together is a help to me and will help us. It can’t just be a case of saying ‘We’re all united’ – you have to see you are.

“I think we are. We all want the same thing – come May we want Barrow in the Football League.”

Kelly has been pleased with how the players have responded to him since he was asked to step up after the sacking of Michael Jolley.

But he said total commitment is the least that should be expected.

“From the competitive, work and commitment point of view, I couldn’t ask any more,” he said.

“But I’m a big believer that that is the minimum requirement.

“I’m a working-class lad and that’s what you do – you work hard. I think Barrow’s that type of club. It’s at the heart of its community.

“I think the supporters expect to see that everybody puts a shift in. And they do.

“They’ve been receptive to what we’re trying to do. If we keep with that approach, we’ll be all right.

“It’ll be tough, because we are where we are, but I’m convinced if we keep this approach and we can bring a bit more of our good football, we can find a way.”