Tamworth: Ex-Barrow midfielder Richie Baker signs for Lambs

Tamworth have signed experienced midfielder Richie Baker following his end-of-season departure from relegated Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Barrow.

Baker, 25, is the Lambs' third close season capture in a week, following the arrival of young striker Deqwon Ebanks and defender Matt Regan.

Burnley-born Baker began at Preston but left without a single senior outing to join Bury, where he spent four years.

He hit eight goals in 129 games for the Shakers, before joining Oxford United.

But he then signed for Barrow in February 2011 after his short-term contract at the Kassam Stadium came to an end, since when he has scored 24 goals in 79 Conference starts for the Bluebirds.

The Lambs are understood to have beaten off a number of rival offers to sign Baker, who was on Manchester United's books as a schoolboy.

Barrow came 22nd in this season's Blue Square Bet Premier, eight points adrift of safety.

Despite doing the double over Tamworth they finished nine points behind the Lambs, who finished three places above them.