Barrow AFC have announced the appointment of a new sporting director.

Long-standing football agent Iain Wood has taken up the position at Holker Street.

The Bluebirds say Wood has been appointed with immediate effect and is already involved in their search for a new manager.

They have also charged him with overseeing "all on-field activities in collaboration with our first-team manager".

That includes areas such as player development, retention and recruitment, provision of training facilities, medical and support team liaison and the analysis team.

Barrow hope Wood's contacts and experience will see him become a key addition to the set-up at the Dunes Hotel Stadium.

Announcing the appointment, they cited Wood's 15 years in player management "with extensive experience and networks in the Premier League, EFL and the National League.

"He has considerable knowledge of building club player development functions, previously working with the likes of Chris Wilder and Alan Knill," the club added.

"Latterly, Iain has run his own successful agency and is based in Leeds."

Barrow chairman Paul Hornby said: “We are delighted to welcome Iain as sporting director.

“He brings an enormous amount of experience and energy to the role. His work ethic and collaborative approach are just what the club needs as we look to become more established in the EFL.

"He is already fully engaged in the recruitment process for our first team manager.”

Wood said: “I’m excited to take this new role and I will bring 15 years of experience and success navigating players and managers in these Leagues.

“I will guarantee that I use that experience, knowledge and passion to help the club make the right decisions on and off the field.

“We have a great opportunity to create something special and sustainable here at Barrow AFC and I understand how important the team is to the fans, town and community.”