BARROW AFC have announced the signing of midfielder Kian Spence from FC Halifax Town for an undisclosed fee, subject to EFL approval.

The box-to-box midfield man joins on a two-year deal and reunites with Pete Wild after he was a part of his successful Halifax team in the 2021/22 season.

Spence spent his youth career at Middlesbrough before leaving in search of first-team football at Scarborough in July 2019.

An impressive season with the Seadogs saw him quickly rise back up the leagues to FC Halifax Town and after a short loan spell back at Scarborough, he established himself as a key player at the Shay over the past few seasons.

Spence featured 39 times, scoring five goals during the 2021/22 season under Pete Wild's mentorship.

Wild said: "When I left Halifax I believed he was one of the brightest talents in the National League and after a tough season last year, I believe we can get Kian back to the levels he showed for me.

"He is a creative, athletic central midfielder who can get around the pitch, creating and scoring goals for the team.

"I am delighted he has chosen Barrow as his next club and we certainly believe we can help him along his journey.”

Spence is equally as excited to get started with the club.

Speaking to the club website after putting pen to paper for the Bluebirds, he said: “I’m really excited to be here and to have everything sorted.

"Every player wants to be playing in the EFL and I’m looking forward to being a part of what is going on at Barrow.

"I obviously worked with gaffer when he was the manager at Halifax so I know how his team plays and what he expects from the lads.

"I believe I can offer that and more so I’m looking to get myself fit and ready ahead of pre-season so I can contribute to the team as much as possible.

"The club obviously did really well last season I want to help improve on that and I don’t think there is any reason we can’t do that as a squad.”