BARROW AFC have appointed a new physio/strength and conditioning coach, following the departure of Sean Riley.

The Bluebirds have brought in Matt Butterfield from Bolton Wanderers, where he has worked for the academy and their first-team and under-23s sides.

Butterfield, who has a degree in sports rehabilitation, has spent the past four-and-a-half years working for the Trotters, including during their League One promotion campaign last year.

As well as being a qualified physiotherapist, he is also experienced in working on strength and conditioning programmes for teams and in preventative care – helping reduce the risk of players becoming injured in the first place.

Butterfield was recommended to AFC boss Paul Cox by his former colleagues at Mansfield Town.

The new Barrow physio said of his appointment: “I've joined Barrow AFC as I feel it's a club that matches the level of ambition that I have to succeed within the sport, with the clear aim of promotion to the Football League.

“It has always been my goal to be the head physiotherapist of a Football League club, and having spoken with the manager I feel that the club is an excellent fit for myself, and hopefully I can play a role in making this a reality.”

Former physio Riley was out of contract with Barrow at the end of last season, and has recently joined AFC's National League rivals AFC Fylde.