BARROW AFC have secured their sixth signing after Richie Bennett put pen to paper on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee to seal his return to Holker Street.

Bennett first joined Barrow back in May 2016 after a prolific spell at Northwich Victoria where he played a major role in prosperous league and FA Cup campaigns.

After fighting off a number of Football League and National League clubs for Bennett’s signature, Paul Cox sealed the deal to put Bennett in a Barrow shirt for the 2016/17 season.

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Bennett was a shining star in the Barrow side that narrowly missed out on the National League playoffs and reached the FA Cup Third Round, with the 6ft 4in striker heading home the equaliser at Taunton Town and providing an assist for Byron Harrison’s leveller at Bristol Rovers.

However, 22 goals in all competitions soon drew the attention of some League Two clubs, and the July 2017 saw Carlisle United swoop in to sign Bennett and take his services to Brunton Park for his first taste of EFL football.

Spells at Morecambe and Port Vale followed, before Stockport County signed Bennett in March 2020 for an undisclosed fee.

With the arrival of new County boss Simon Rusk, Bennett fell out of favour and was sent out on loan to Hartlepool United in April 2021. Bennett’s stay at Victoria Park was a short one though, as his 5 goals in just 4 appearances quickly led to a Stockport recall later that month.

After his departure from Edgeley Park, the Oldham-born forward joined EFL newcomers Sutton United last summer. The 31 year old striker enjoyed a successful season at Gander Green Lane, with the U’s achieving an 8th place finish in Sky Bet League Two and were runners-up in the Papa John’s Trophy. He found the scoresheet 6 times and registered 5 assists in 38 appearances for the South London side.

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Richie now re-joins Barrow for the club’s third campaign back in the EFL.

Pete Wild said, on Richie’s return:“Richie is a player I have known for many years, both personally and professionally. His drive and desire to make the Football League is a massive part of why I am excited to work with him.

“He is an exciting centre forward that will add power and pace to our team and I think we are meeting at the right point in his career.”