Former Rovers defender Sam Barnes is relishing a “fresh start” after joining League Two Barrow on an initial one-year deal.

The 23-year-old departed Ewood Park this summer at the end of his contract following a couple of major injuries that kept him out of action for lengthy spells.

Barnes had spent 12 years at Rovers, progressing through the club’s youth ranks and making his senior debut in a Carabao Cup win against Walsall last term.

He told the club website: “I think it’s the right time in my career to make a fresh start and it’s the perfect club for me to make this fresh start at.

“After speaking to Iain (Wood, sporting director) and the rest of the staff here the aim is to be pushing higher up the league and I’m really excited to be a part of that.

“I’m really happy to be here, I think it’s a fantastic club to sign for and it’s a club that I’ve followed closely for the last couple of seasons with a few of my mates playing here, but I’m really excited to get it over the line.”

When asked what Barrow fans can expect from him, the defender added: “I like to think of myself as a ball-playing centre-back, I love playing passes through the lines, but I also like to get stuck in and win headers and be a leader on the pitch.”

The Bluebirds are aiming to build on their eighth finish in the fourth tier, narrowly missing out on a play-off spot on the final day.

Last month, ex-Gillingham boss Stephen Clemence was named as the new head coach at Holker Street following Pete Wild’s departure.

Barrow have also brought in Connor Mahoney, another former Rovers prospect, as preparations continue for the new season.

Mahoney joined from Accrington Stanley in 2013 and went on to make 21 senior appearances at Ewood Park before heading to Bournemouth.

The winger has since had spells with the likes of Birmingham, Millwall, Huddersfield and Gillingham, scoring seven goals in 43 games for the Gills last term.

“I’m delighted to be here and I’m now just really excited for what the future holds,” he said.

“It’s been in the pipeline for a few weeks, obviously with the relationship I’ve got with the gaffer, having played under him at Gillingham last season.

“We’ve stayed in contact since then and we’ve finally got a deal over the line, so I’m excited to be here and look forward to working with him again.”