Paul Farman has become Mark Cooper’s second signing in as many days after the experienced goalkeeper put pen to paper on a two-year contract with The Bluebirds.
The 31-year-old shot stopper has followed in the footsteps of Offrande Zanzala in turning down a deal at rivals Carlisle United in order to join Cooper’s new regime at Barrow.
Farman joined Carlisle last summer and missed only four League Two games during 2020/21 as he further enhanced his reputation as one of the most reliable and respected goalkeepers in the lower leagues.
The North Shields born star was on the books at Newcastle United in his youth before making a senior breakthrough with Blyth Spartans and then clinching a move to Gateshead in 2009.
Farman enjoyed three years in the colours of Gateshead but he excelled during a loan stay at Lincoln City in 2012 and made the move to Sincil Bank permanent that summer.
He went on to make 250 appearances for The Imps, winning the Player of the Year award in 2014/15 and then starring as they won promotion back to the Football League in the 2016/17 campaign, during which he kept 22 clean sheets.
After six memorable years at Lincoln, he moved on to Stevenage in 2018 and played 75 games over two seasons at The Lamex Stadium before his switch to Cumbria.
With well over 400 senior games under his belt, Farman will bring a wealth of experience to The Bluebirds squad as preparations continue for a second season at League Two level.