A MOVE to AFC Fylde was an offer departed Barrow AFC centre-back Steve Williams could not refuse.

The 29-year-old turned down the chance to stay at Holker Street to join the promotion-chasing National League North side last weekend.

Williams had endured an injury-ridden campaign with Barrow and often found himself behind both Simon Grand – himself now departed from the Bluebirds – and Danny Livesey in the pecking order when he was fit.

A desire to be a first-choice defender, combined with Fylde being based close to his home and putting down an offer on paper before Barrow led him to choose them over another year in South Cumbria.

The former Halifax and Bradford City man said: “It was a personal decision. I live in the Fylde area, so it’s almost like a local team to me and they train locally.

“For a couple of seasons now, I’ve spoken to them in the background and it was something I have thought about in the past, even before I signed at Barrow.

“Just towards the end of the season, with regards to contracts, I just felt I was waiting about a bit with Barrow. If somebody puts a bid on the table like Fylde did, I wasn’t up for waiting around too much longer and I just got something done.

“I don’t think it’s down to the management – I don’t who it is down to. (Paul Cox) had his hands tied and there was so much going on with people he wanted to keep and let go. I know what football is like and how you can be busy.

“That’s the nature of the game. Word of mouth is okay, but at the end of the day, it’s putting pen to paper that speaks. I could have been going however long and, from the financial side, it was something I had to do.

“I’d like to say thanks to the gaffer and Simmo (assistant boss Gary Simpson). They were sound all the way through the back end of the season – really top blokes. The people I have worked with in and around Barrow – the secretary and the chairman – they have all been top people with me. There is no negativeness from me, it’s just that a deal was put there on the table for me and it was something I couldn’t refuse with living where I do.”

Looking back on his year with the Bluebirds, Williams added: “It has been a good year with regards to gaining more experience and being in this league.

“I’ve seen it from a different side with not playing as much and you can learn as much if you don’t play. I would have liked to play more, so it’s not been a positive season in that respect.

“Whether or not I would have played a lot more this season coming, it’s possible. But it was an average season and that doesn’t help when I’m thinking about moving and if I drop down a league I’m playing every game and if I’m fit, I’m playing.

“There were a lot of factors as to why I have signed – it wasn’t just one reason why I have gone.

“I hope it goes well for the gaffer, the new lads and the old lads who are staying for next season.”