Mark Cooper has completed a Deadline Day swoop to strengthen his defence with the signing of experienced centre-back Niall Canavan for an undisclosed fee from Bradford City.
The 6ft 4ins defender has agreed an 18-month deal with The Bluebirds and brings an enormous amount of EFL knowhow to the Barrow squad having played over 300 senior games.
A former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, Donovan has been a mainstay in The Bantams’ backline since moving to The Utilita Energy Stadium last January.
However, Barrow were able to agree a fee with the West Yorkshire outfit in order to pave the way for Canavan’s Deadline Day switch to The Dunes Hotel Stadium.
Having been part of Bradford’s Academy during his younger years, it was with Scunthorpe United that Canavan made his name, signing professional terms in 2009 and going on to play almost 200 First Team games for The Iron.
In 2016, a successful loan spell at Rochdale turned permanent and he spent two seasons at Spotland before earning a move to Plymouth Argyle where he was a key factor in their automatic promotion from League Two in 2019/20.
After making just short of 100 appearances for The Pilgrims, Leeds-born Canavan made a move back north to re-join ambitious Bradford and he’s been a regular part of their rear-guard since then.
Canavan has been handed the number 27 shirt at Barrow and is set to link-up with his new teammates later this week ahead of Saturday’s home game against Tranmere Rovers.