Barrow AFC’s summer recruitment is set to continue next week, with manager Ian Evatt hoping to bring in two new players into the squad before the start of pre-season training.

The Bluebirds have made four signings since the end of the 2018/19 campaign, which includes the permanent transfer of striker Dior Angus after his previous loan spell from Port Vale.

The three new faces to arrive at Holker Street so far are Angus’ fellow forwards Morgan Penfold and Scott Quigley, while defender Bradley Barry has joined from Chesterfield.

Evatt was pleased with the amount of business done before his holiday, from which he returned from this week, and his squad for next season looks set to be almost complete when the players reconvene at the end of the month.

Evatt said: “We’re pretty hopefully of having one agreed and signed on Monday – I can’t really say too much else about that at the moment, but we’re hopeful with that one.

“We also have a loan agreed in principle with another player, who will hopefully be joining us before July 1, so we’re getting there slowly but surely.

“I think at the start of pre-season we’ll only be one or two players away and they’ll probably be joining later and are more likely to be loans.”

After his well-earned break, Evatt is now looking forward to getting going again for what will be his second season in charge of the Bluebirds.

He said: “It’s nice to have a break for the first two or three weeks because you need that rest and recuperation, but after that you’re ready to work again.”

Barrow’s last game was their 2-0 victory at Gateshead on April 27, but that is a fixture that won’t be repeated next season after the Heed were demoted to National League North last week after their financial difficulties.

Evatt has sympathy for the North East outfit, saying: “It was slightly a surprise and I must say that I feel ever so sorry for Gateshead’s fans.

“I think they’re excellent and were really loyal and supportive towards their players and management team last season.

“I think it’s a bitter pill to swallow because they did so well last season – they overachieved, had some fantastic performances and I’m really sorry that that’s happened to them.

“On the other hand, that gives Aldershot another opportunity and they’re a big club in their own right – they were in the Football League in the not-too-distant past. It’s good that the league has a well-supported team like Aldershot staying in there. It’s just another journey south for us.”