Barrow have had a cluster of new signings as they prepare for life in the National League.
New manager Adam Murray has been busy adding to the squad with three newcomers joining the Bluebirds.
Versatile forward Olly Crankshaw is capable of operating across the front line, and has a wealth of experience in both the EFL and National League.
He has enjoyed promotion-winning success during his career and established a reputation as a direct, attacking threat with an eye for goal.
Born in Preston, Crankshaw began his career with hometown club, Preston North End, before gaining valuable senior experience in non-league football with Clitheroe FC, Colne FC and Curzon Ashton.
It was during his time with Curzon Ashton that Crankshaw’s performances attracted the attention of EFL clubs, earning him a move to Wigan Athletic.
He made his senior debut for the Latics in 2020 and went on to make 25 appearances for the club.
A move to Bradford City followed before Crankshaw joined Stockport County, where he enjoyed some of the most successful seasons of his career.
During the 2021/22 campaign, he scored 10 goals as Stockport secured promotion from the National League, playing an important role in a side that went on to lift the title.
Crankshaw remained part of the County squad as the club continued its rise up the football pyramid and was also a member of the squad that secured promotion from League Two during the 2023/24 season, adding further promotion success to his CV.
The 26-year-old spent last season with Altrincham FC, where he once again demonstrated his attacking quality by scoring nine goals in the National League.
The second new arrival is also 26-years of age and Isaac Marriott is described as energetic midfielder.
Marriott played 51 games for National League side Altrincham last season and at 26 years-old has amassed over 200 senior appearances. Born in Huddersfield, he came through the youth system with Huddersfield Town before joining Bradford Park Avenue.
He joined Altrincham in 2021 and has since been a stalwart with the Robins, racking up over 150 appearances.
Manager Murray said: “He’s somebody we know we can rely on week in and week out. He’s known for his aggression, he’s very front footed but technically very good. He comes with a really good reputation.
“Sometimes you talk to someone and it just clicks and we knew straight away that he was a great fit for us.”
The third recent signing is young defender Xavier Benjamin.
Born in London and after going through the system at Fulham he joined Cardiff City where he made a first team senior debut in 2023, before spells with Dunfermline Athletic and most recently Enfield Town.
A versatile player, the 22-year-old covers several positions in the backline.
On securing Benjamin’s signature, Murray said: “For me, he is another player who has a big future ahead of him. He’s got a great mentality, the first conversation I had with him he said ‘I’m a leader, I want to win and I love defending.’
“He’s had a great upbringing.”
Meanwhile Morecambe have signed the former Barrow midfielder Elliot Newby.
The 30-year-old has agreed a two-year contract, with the option of a third year, after leaving the Bluebirds.
Newby had been linked with a close season move to the Shrimps, speculation which went up a notch after Barrow announced a mutual agreement to terminate his contract at the start of this week.
