It's all change in Barrow AFC's midfield, after three new arrivals and one departure were confirmed yesterday.

Leaving the Bluebirds is one of the stars of last year's promotion campaign, with goalscoring midfielder John Rooney remaining in non-League to sign for Stockport County for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £75,000.

Rooney was joint-top scorer alongside Scott Quigley with 20 goals last season, many of them of the memorable variety.

In total, the younger brother of former England international Wayne Rooney, struck 30 times in 96 appearances for the Bluebirds and captained the side from November onwards last season, following injuries to Josh Granite and Jason Taylor.

Amongst his standout moments during his time at Holker Street was his hat-trick against Ebbsfleet United, his superb strike in the vital win against Torquay United and his jaw-dropping half-volley from the right wing against Barnet.

News of Rooney's departure came before the first three new signings under manager David Dunn were announced, all of whom ply their trade in the middle of the park and all on two-year contracts.

The first of these was a name familiar with Barrow fans, as Luke James joined from Hartlepool United to begin his second spell with the club.

The 25-year-old had previously played for the Bluebirds on loan during the last three months of the 2017/18 season, scoring seven goals in 17 appearances, as Ady Pennock's side barely avoided relegation from the National League.

James left Hartlepool having not played since last December due to a serious groin injury.

Coming in swiftly after James was Mike Jones, who has moved across Cumbria following four years with Carlisle United.

The 32-year-old began his career with hometown club Tranmere Rovers and earned promotions with Bury and Sheffield Wednesday in 2011 and 2012, respectively, before spells with Crawley Town and Oldham Athletic.

Completing the trio of new faces was Barrovian Tom Beadling, who will be expected to protect the defence and has moved back south of the border, having spent the last two-and-a-half years with Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic.

Beadling, 24, left Barrow with his family when he was very young and wound up earning a professional contract with Sunderland, where he came through at the same time at Bluebirds goalkeeper Joel Dixon.

He then spent time on loan at Bury and then Dunfermline, who then signed him on a permanent deal in the summer of 2018.