Michael Jolley has revealed his excitement after winning the race to bring highly rated young Burnley centre-back Bobby Thomas to Barrow on loan for the rest of the season.
There has been lots of interest in the centre-back during the transfer window, but Jolley has been able to persuade the talented youngster to make a move to The Progression Solicitors Stadium.
The Bluebirds’ boss spent time working in the Clarets’ Academy so knows all about how well regarded the 19-year-old is at Turf Moor and is thrilled to have clinched a deal to bring him to Cumbria.
“We’re very fortunate to have been able to secure him until the end of the season because a lot of clubs have been after him,” Jolley explained.
“He’s very highly thought of at Burnley, so we’re just really delighted that he’s chosen to come and play his football at Barrow during his first senior loan and we’re really looking forward to working with him.
“It has probably helped that I had three years at Burnley so I know Bobby and all the staff so I would like to thank everyone there for their help in getting the deal done, I am sure he will do well for us.
“They have a good track record with centre-backs at Burnley. You think of people like Tom Anderson, Jimmy Dunne and even lads in the First Team now like James Tarkowski and Ben Mee who have been very consistent and, of course, they sold Michael Keane on for money.
“They have clearly done very well with centre-backs over the years there and Bobby is the latest in a long line so hopefully he can help us.
“I think we have got lots of competition right across the squad now; something I wanted to add when I came in was competition for places and I feel like we have that with the players we’ve added.”