New Barrow signing Ashley Winn says he has been impressed and surprised by the quality of the Bluebirds squad.
The 23-year-old midfielder, signed from Stalybridge Celtic, impressed on his Barrow debut in Saturday's 4-1 friendly win over a Furness XI.
"There's a lot more quality here than I actually thought," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.
"The Blue Square Premier is a massive step-up for the club but I'm sure these players will have a good season."
Winn, who has also had spells at Middlesbrough, Oldham and York City, revealed that he had the chance to join Barrow last season.
"As soon as I came here I knew it felt right""I was asked if I wanted to sign by Phil Wilson but things just weren't right at the time for me as I had other commitments as well.
"But I've really enjoyed it so far. I've only had one training session but the lads have been brilliant.
"As soon as I came here I knew it felt right."
Winn, who is the Bluebirds' second summer signing following the arrival of Lee Hunt from Rhyl, was in the Stalybridge side who lost 1-0 to Barrow in last season's Blue Square North play-off final at Burton.
"It was a tough game," he said, "but we didn't show as much fighting spirit on the night as Barrow."
Winn will compete with Mark Boyd and Andrew Bond for one of the two central midfield places when the new season gets underway at home to Oxford United on Friday 8 August (1945 BST).
"Every game you look forward to," he said. "And I can't wait until the season starts.
"It's been a long and hectic break for me in many ways but, now we're back, the new season can't come soon enough."
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