Following Barrow AFC’s 3-0 pre-season friendly defeat against Blackpool, manager Ian Evatt revealed that contract talks have begun with trialists Byron Harrison and David Fox.

If Harrison were to sign with the Bluebirds, it would be his second spell with them, having scored 32 goals in 67 games between 2016 and 2018 before leaving for Barnet, who released him during the summer.

The match against the Seasiders was the striker’s first start of pre-season after four previous appearances off the bench.

Former Blackpool and Norwich midfielder Fox featured as a substitute for the fourth time as he looks for a new club, following his departure from Plymouth Argyle last month.

Evatt said: “Conversations [over signing them] have started – why would you not want to sign quality?

“David played 40-odd games in League One for Plymouth last season and has had a fantastic career – he’s been promoted to the Premier League.

“I don’t need to introduce Byron to the Barrow fans because they’ve seen what he can do.

“Why would we not want to add that quality? It’s just that we have to be sensible and make sure we’re sustainable with what we do.”

Evatt is able to fully focus on finalising his squad for the coming season after making what was the final appearance of his playing career, as he came on for the final six minutes, as a striker, against his old club.

“It’s kind of not sunk in now that this is it for me, really,” Evatt said.

“What I will say is you’re only as good as your last pass and I kept my last pass, so I must have been a good player.

“It was a bit of fun at the end of a wonderful game. I thought it was a great occasion and a massive thank you to all the Blackpool fans that travelled and all the home fans that turned out.”