Barrow’s new boss Pete Wild has gone back to his old club to make his first signing for the Bluebirds.
Centre-forward Billy Waters, 27, has agreed a two-year deal after hitting 21 League and Cup goals under Wild for the Shaymen last season.
Barrow had to see-off some stiff opposition to land his signature but the hard-working, old fashioned number nine was pleased to be re-united with his former Halifax boss.
“Wild, who clearly rates Waters highly, said: “It’s a huge statement – and it’s the first of a few statements we would like to make.
“The way Billy plays is a reflection of how I want my team to play. A lot of the goals he scored and the chances he created last season came through his own endeavour and hard work, and he’s just an infectious person on and off the pitch.
“Some of the runs he made, and the quality of those runs, to score goals were superb and his approach is just everything I look for – with and without the ball and in the dressing room. He’s just my type of player.
“When we’ve been talking over the past few days, there’s been excitement for us to work together again and that shared excitement tells you everything about the high regard we have for each other.
“One of the things that had been missing from his game before last season was goals and Billy would be the first to admit that, but at Halifax we played in a way that really suited him and allowed him to get the goals he got.
“What also needs to be said though, is that even when he didn’t score last season, his contribution for the rest of the team was fantastic.
“In all honesty, it was just a no-brainer for me to try and bring him to the club and I’m delighted he’s signed.”
Waters is the first Wild import but it certainly won’t be the last!
He said: “It’s pleasing to get that first one done because the first thing people ask you about is signings and I know it’s all the fans want to hear about!
“To show we are doing business is good. There is a lot of hard work being done between myself, Adam and Iain to try and attract players – that’s ongoing every moment of every day so it’s pleasing when that hard work pays off.
“It is such a competitive market and it’s so hard to get transfers over the line but I appreciate the backing of the Board in helping us get this one done and we’re delighted that Billy is joining us.”
