BARROW AFC are 'very close' to adding two new faces to their squad, after losing a second player in as many days.

Chief scout Paul Ogden is in final negotiations with a pair of 'experienced' recruits, as AFC look to fill the gaps left by the departures of Jordan Williams and Paul Turnbull.

Turnbull followed Williams out of the Holker Street exit door yesterday, signing a two-year deal with National League rivals Chester FC, who have already brought in striker Ross Hannah from the Bluebirds.

The departures – with Williams moving to League One Rochdale – have left Barrow with just 10 contracted players, with several of those also attracting interest – if, as yet, no concrete offers – from Football League clubs.

But Odgen, who has taken charge of the recruitment process while manager Paul Cox is on holiday, says he is within touching distance of agreeing contracts with a pair of players.

The central midfielder and winger – filling the gaps left by Turnbull and Williams respectively directly – are described as 'quality' players, one with National League experience and the other having played in the Football League.

Ogden has already helped seal a deal for wideman Bradley Bauress – from the scout's former club Witton Albion – as well as a contract with former Wrexham front-man Jordan White.

He has been in regular contact with Cox during his break and is meeting with potential recruits on a regular basis, being happy with progress being made to bring them into the AFC fold.

“We're very close to bringing two players in very shortly,” said Ogden. “They are very close, and I've just put the phone down to Paul about them. I'm really hopeful we can get these two.

“They will be quality players, experienced players. These two have been on our radar for quite some time and would bring an energy to the party.

“To take the next step, we need to look at a different type of addition coming in.

“The lad we have already brought in up front (White), is a very, very good player. He's our specification, and he's something that we haven't really had a player of his type.

“We're also looking in other areas – of course we are. There are centre-backs we are close to signing, and we are making progress.”

He added: “There are a lot of situations where we are very, very close to signings.

“I think the important thing is to make sure that what we are bringing in is correct – players who will take us to hopefully the next stage – and that we are not rushed into things.”

Ogden is wary of becoming too carried away with prospective signings, having seen Boston United defender Zak Mills choose Grimsby Town over Barrow at the last minute in summer 2016, before Wigan Athletic winger Kaiyne Woolery was lured to Forest Green Rovers less than 24 hours before he was due to make his loan debut from the Bluebirds.

He knows similar could happen again this summer, and added: “I'm just heading back from speaking with a player and his agent now. It has been a good meeting and it looks like it will materialise, but until you have got the name on that form, you never know.

“There was a prime example with Kaiyne Woolery, where 24 hours before he was coming to us, we lost him when another club came in with a financial package. That was through no fault of Barrow or the chairman not supporting us, but there comes a time when you look at certain figures being involved, and you've got to be sensible.

“In fairness to Forest Green, he scored two for them in the play-off final, and they'll look at it and say they have done their job.

“You have to consider all options, you have to consider your own players, everything. Sometimes you look at what players are worth and you win some, you lose some.

“At the moment I feel quite confident, with what we have got in front of us, that we will be okay.”

The departed Turnbull made 31 starts and four substitute appearances for Barrow in all competitions during his season-long stay, scoring three goals.

He also attracted interest from newly-promoted FC Halifax Town, but chose to go to the Deva Stadium.

A statement from Barrow AFC following his exit said: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Paul for all his hard work during his time here, and wish him well for the future.”