League Two Barrow have strengthened their midfield with the capture of Halifax Town’s Kian Spence, the club’s official website has announced.
Bluebirds boss; Pete Wild reunites with the 24-year-old after previously working with him at Town during the 2021/22 season. Spence, who has signed a two-year deal at the SO Legal Stadium is described as a box-to-box, goal-scoring midfielder.
Spence spent his youth career at Middlesbrough, before leaving in search of first-team football with 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 has established himself as a key player at the Shay over the past few seasons.
Wild and Barrow have acted quickly with their recruitment since the League Two season ended with the signing of Spence marking their fourth new addition following the signings of David Worrall, Junior Tiensa and Courtney Duffus.
Wild has lost key midfielder Josh Kay, who has decided to depart after a five-year stay with the Cumbrian side and Wild will be hoping that Spence can help fill the void.
What Was Said?
Barrow boss Pete Wild said; “When I left Halifax, I believed (Spence) 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.”
“I’m really excited to be here and to have everything sorted,” said Spence.
“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 the 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.”
Writer’s View
Pete Wild seems to be building something very positive at unfancied and unfashionable Barrow. The former Halifax boss enjoyed a more than decent debut season in charge of the Bluebirds, finishing ninth. Wild has attracted many admirers with his high-pressing style of play and was recently linked with the top job at Blackpool.
He certainly hasn’t wasted any time this summer, recruiting four new players with the prospect of more to come as the transfer market comes alive in the coming weeks.
Spence, is clearly someone Wild knows and trusts, having worked him during his spell at Halifax.
Despite the encouraging season last time around, Barrow’s main issue was a lack of goals, particularly towards the end of the season, where results tailed off and that ultimately cost them a realistic tilt at the playoffs.
Wild will be hoping that Spence can be a creative spark to give Barrow a chance to move up a level next season.
