Mark Ellis says he joined Barrow to achieve success – not wallow in mid-table.

The experienced defender has spoken about his and the Bluebirds’ ambitions ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Ellis, the former Tranmere, Carlisle, Shrewsbury and Crewe centre-half, signed a two-year deal as one of seven summer signings so far.

He said he is keen to be part of a positive season at Holker Street where Mark Cooper’s side will bid to make their mark on the top end of League Two.

“I’ve worked with the manager previously and know what he’s about, how he gets his teams set up and how he wants them to play,” Ellis said.

“We’ve had a chat between us as a whole, and I will repeat what the manager’s said – we’ve come here to give it a go.

“We’ve not just come in to be happy floating around mid-table. Look at the likes of Morecambe last year – nobody gave them a cat in hell’s chance.

“Why can’t that be little Barrow this time around? It’s the reason for joining, really. I’ve come here wanting to achieve something and that’s what I want to do until I finish.”

Ellis was allowed to join up with the squad slightly later than some of his new team-mates.

That followed his involvement in Notts County’s National League play-off campaign, Ellis’s last appearance coming as recently as June 12 against Torquay.

But now the 32-year-old is firmly in the fold at Holker Street he says Cooper, under whom he worked at Forest Green, is putting together a squad that has the potential make an impact in the Bluebirds’ second season back in the Football League.

“From what I’ve seen so far there’s some good power and pace in the squad,” he said.

“I know a few of the lads from before who are technically very good, and it’s just a case of building and putting a good team together and seeing where it could take us.”

Barrow’s first pre-season friendly comes against Holker Old Boys today before Cooper takes the squad to Largs in Scotland for a training camp.

“We’re looking forward to the first game, and then we’ll be expecting a tough week ahead up in Scotland,” Ellis added.

“Any time in pre-season’s not going to be easy, and we’ll be expecting it to be tough.

“It’s about building, trying to stay injury-free and getting as fit as you can for the start of the season.

“No game in League Two is ever going to be easy – everyone’s going to have to be at their best if you want to win games and that’s the way it always is.”