Pete Wild has hailed the arrival of Billy Waters as a statement signing after the in-demand front man agreed a two-year deal with The Bluebirds following his departure from FC Halifax Town.
The 27-year-old struck 21 goals in all competitions under Wild for The Shaymen last term, and the new Barrow boss is delighted to be reunited with him at The Dunes Hotel Stadium.
Numerous EFL clubs were on high alert to Waters’ availability, but Barrow have held off stern competition to convince the hard-working forward that his future lies with The Bluebirds.
“It’s a huge statement – and it’s the first of a few statements we would like to make,” admitted Wild.
“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 has now become Wild’s first signing as Bluebirds boss and, whilst he’s happy to get the opening deal completed, he knows that there is plenty of work still ahead this summer.
“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.”