Barrow AFC have strengthened their squad with two new signings as manager Adam Murray continues his rebuild. The Bluebirds have brought in 19-year-old forward Mikey Lane on loan from Fleetwood Town until January and secured 27-year-old midfielder Dan Mooney on a permanent deal.
Murray is excited to work with both players, who arrive with the club sitting 18th in the National League table. Barrow have taken five points from their opening six matches, with a record of one win, two draws, and three losses. Their recent form reads WDLDL, and they have scored eight goals while conceding nine so far this season.
Mikey Lane joins Barrow on a loan deal that runs until the second of January. The teenage forward gained experience in the National League North last season during a spell with Hereford. His arrival provides a youthful option for Murray in the attacking third.
Dan Mooney is a more familiar face to the Barrow manager. The midfielder worked under Murray at Kidderminster Harriers during the previous campaign. At 27, he brings a different profile of experience to the squad. Murray believes both players will quickly endear themselves to the Holker Street faithful.
The Barrow boss was particularly effusive about the qualities Mooney will bring to the team. "These lads love him, and I think the fans will love him because he epitomises what Barrow is about," Murray told reporters. He elaborated on the midfielder's attributes, stating, "He's hard-working, he can be vicious at times, he wants to win, and he's prepared to die for the cause."
Murray's comments show the character he is seeking as he moulds his squad. The double signing follows Barrow's first league victory of the season, a home win against Sutton United that moved them up the standings.
The context for these signings is a challenging start to the campaign. With five points from six games, Barrow are currently 11 points behind early leaders Boreham Wood. The club's goal difference stands at minus one. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings throughout the season.
These additions aim to provide a boost ahead of a busy period. The immediate focus shifts to an away fixture against 16th-placed Worthing on the 12th of September. The full schedule of upcoming matches is available on the club's fixtures page.
Lane's loan signing offers a short-term solution and an opportunity for the young forward to prove himself at National League level. His pace and direct style could offer a different threat in attack. Mooney's permanent arrival suggests a player Murray trusts implicitly, given their previous working relationship. His understanding of the manager's methods should aid a quicker integration into the team's tactical setup.
Murray will hope these injections of talent and known quality can help turn around the team's form. The manager is clearly building a squad in his image, one he believes reflects the club's identity. Supporters can view the updated player roster on the official squad list. Barrow's next test comes in three days' time on the south coast against Worthing.
