Barrow AFC defender Sam Hird believes the style of play favoured by manager Ian Evatt will suit him down to the ground, as he continues to settle in at Holker Street.

Hird arrived at the Bluebirds earlier in the month from Alfreton Town, where he had been trying to regain fitness, having previously spent the entirety of his career in the Football League.

That included a promotion, via the play-offs to the Championship back in 2008 with Doncaster Rovers, a side who were much admired for the attractive passing identity they had under manager at the time Sean O’Driscoll.

The 31-year-old made his full debut for AFC in last Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Chesterfield and certainly looked at home as part of a back three that always tried to play the ball out of defence, when possible.

Hird said: “I’ve been lucky enough throughout my career to always play under managers who like their team to pass the ball.

“I had six years at Doncaster – most of that under Sean O’Driscoll – and then I had six years at Chesterfield, with a lot of that under Paul Cook, Danny Wilson and John Sheridan, who was the guy who brought me to the football club.

“They’re all managers who like to play, try and get the ball down and play exciting attacking football. I’ve been lucky enough to do that and I’m lucky that I’ve come to Barrow, who have a manager that wants to do that as well.”