[themaclad]

Striker Billy Waters has joined Barrow, reuniting with boss Pete Wild.

The 27-year-old, who has signed a two-year deal, scored 21 goals last season for FC Halifax, where his contract expires this summer.

He is Wild's first signing since the manager left Halifax to take over at League Two Barrow following the Shaymen's defeat in the National League play-offs last month.

Waters has also had spells Crewe, Torquay, Cheltenham and Northampton.

"It's a huge statement - and it's the first of a few statements we would like to make," Wild told the club website.

"The way Billy plays is a reflection of how I want my team to play. A lot of the goals he scored and the chances he created last season came through his own endeavour and hard work, and he's just an infectious person on and off the pitch.

"In all honesty, it was just a no-brainer for me to try and bring him to the club and I'm delighted he's signed."

[themaclad]

Barrow have signed midfielder Solomon Nwabuokei on undisclosed terms, following his departure from National League side Woking.

The 26-year-old was released at the end of last season, despite making 41 league appearances.

It will be Nwabuokei's first taste of the English Football League, having come through the Biggleswade age groups and spending time at St Albans.

"He's got real energy and enthusiasm," boss Pete Wild told the club's website.

"When we arrived in the building here, we quickly identified that we have some really good footballers so it was about adding some energy and some players who can compete more out of possession as well as in possession."

[themaclad]

Barrow have signed right-back Tyrell Warren from FC Halifax Town on a two-year deal .

Warren, 23, will be reunited with new Barrow boss Pete Wild after playing 44 games for the Shaymen last season.

[themaclad]

Barrow have signed midfielder Sam Foley from fellow League Two club Tranmere Rovers on a one-year contract.

The 35-year-old made 45 appearances during his sole season at Tranmere and will join the Cumbrian club in July.

Foley had previously had spells with Newport County, Yeovil Town, Port Vale, Northampton Town and St Mirren.

"He is a player that knows this league inside out and will certainly help the squad develop and achieve its ultimate goal," said Barrow boss Pete Wild.

Foley's deal has the option of a further year although Barrow have not revealed whether that clause is in the favour of the club or the player.

[themaclad]

Barrow have signed Northern Ireland centre-back Sam McClelland on a season-long loan from Chelsea and re-signed Richie Bennett from Sutton United.

McClelland, 20, turned professional at Chelsea in 2019 and has made 11 Premier League appearances.

He has also made his senior debut for Northern Ireland in a friendly against Ukraine in June 2021.

Striker Bennett, 31, previously played for Barrow in 2016-17, scoring 16 goals in 47 matches.

"We are excited to have [Sam] as part of the group and help continue his development," said boss Pete Wild.

"Richie is a player I have known for many years, both personally and professionally. His drive and desire to make the Football League is a massive part of why I am excited to work with him."

[themaclad]

Defender George Ray has joined Barrow on a two-year deal from Exeter City.

The 28-year-old was a feature of the Exeter side last season before contracting Covid in December and his replacement kept him out of the team, prompting a loan move to Leyton Orient.

He made nine appearances for the east London club in February and March.

Ray came through the academy at Crewe and made 152 appearances for the club from 2011 until 2019 before leaving for Tranmere and then to the south west.

He made 23 appearances for the Grecians after joining last summer.

Ray becomes the latest signing for Pete Wild, who was appointed Barrow manager at the end of May.

They begin their third successive season in League Two at newly-promoted Stockport on 30 July.

[themaclad]

Barrow have signed Sheffield United midfielder Harrison Neal on a season-long loan deal.

The 21-year-old made 22 appearances on loan at National League side Southend last season.

Neal is the seventh player to join Barrow this summer after Pete Wild took over as manager.

He could make his debut for the Bluebirds in their League Two season opener at Stockport on Saturday, 30 July.

[themaclad]

Barrow have signed Stockport winger Ben Whitfield on a two-year deal.

The 26-year-old has moved to the Bluebirds for a free transfer, with the Hatters retaining a sell-on fee.

He scored twice in 15 league appearances last season as Stockport won promotion to League Two.

"Ben moves on with everyone's best wishes. I know it's been a really tough decision that he's had to make," Hatters boss Dave Challinor told the club website.

[themaclad]

Barrow have signed Benni-Smales Braithwaite after the forward came through a successful pre-season trial.

The 20-year-old scored in two friendlies to earn a permanent deal, the details of which have not been disclosed, with the League Two side.

Originally a member of Manchester City's academy until 2018, he was released by Southampton in June.

He never played for the Saints, but he played six times on loan for National League North side Gloucester City.

Smales-Braithwaite will now join up with Pete Wild's squad at the SO Legal Stadium.

They began their league campaign with a 3-2 win at newly-promoted Stockport County on Saturday.

[themaclad]

Barrow have made their second signing of the week after sealing a deal for Ipswich defender Myles Kenlock.

The 25-year-old left-back came through the academy at Portman Road and went on to make 103 appearances for the first team, including 56 in the Championship.

Kenlock spent the second half of last season on loan at League Two Colchester, where he scored three times in 20 matches.

Barrow have not disclosed the length of Kenlock's contract.