FORMER Football League operator David Mellor has hailed the strength of Barrow AFC’s midfield ranks and says his decision to join the Bluebirds and has already been justified.

Earlier in the summer, the 22-year-old central midfielder arrived at Holker Street on a two-year deal after being released by League One Oldham Athletic.

Despite previously showcasing his skills in the third tier of English football, he will not be taking a first-team place for granted at Barrow.

The combative Mo Fofana – another summer signing – and Paddy Lacey, ball-playing Alex-Ray Harvey and the attack-minded Newby twins – Alex and Elliot – will also be targeting a role in AFC’s engine room.

Mellor said: “There’s quite a lot of competition in central midfield, which obviously keeps us all on our toes.

“I think we’re all good footballers and we all like to work hard as well.

"I think we can all do both sides of the game, so there will be strong competition in midfield.

“We’re all good on the ball, we’re technically good and stuff like that, and we all like to work hard, so I think there’s a good balance.”

AFC will complete their pre-season campaign by hosting a Leeds United XI at a newly-relaid on Saturday (3pm kick-off), before beginning their National League season at home to Dover Athletic a week later.

Mellor made 62 appearances – scoring one goal – for Oldham before exiting his hometown club at the end of last season.

'Two or three' League Two clubs showed an interest in securing his signature this summer.

But, based on the evidence so far, the midfielder is happy to be on Barrow’s bandwagon.

He added: “I’ve played in quite a few pre-season games and in training I’ve got to know the lads quite well. I think I’ve settled in quite well.

“The lads are all sound and I’m enjoying my time so far at Barrow. I think we’ll do quite well this season.

“Looking at the games and the performances we’ve already put in, I think things are looking good for us.

"We’ve got quite a good team and I think the squad from last year has been strengthened a little bit, but the players who were already here are still very good.

“We’re training at Lancaster University so the facilities are really good.

"Considering the club have only just turned back to full-time, I think it’s very well run. The squad has got very good ability, the standard in training has been very high and the quality of training has been very good.

“I think we’re going to have a very good season.”