Loan signing Paul Black captained Oldham's reserve side last season

Barrow have released defender Ryan Elderton just three games into the new Blue Square Premier season.

The 24-year-old joined the Bluebirds from Kendal Town in the summer of 2007 and was a regular in their promotion-winning side last season.

Meanwhile, Barrow have signed left-back Paul Black, 18, on a one-month loan from Oldham Athletic.

"He's really impressed us - he's strong and likes a tackle," joint-manager Dave Bayliss told BBC Radio Cumbria.

Black has captained the Latics' reserve team and was a standby for the England under-18 squad in November 2007.

He's a little bit different to what we've got and I think he will do really well Joint-manager Dave Bayliss

"We watched him in pre-season game and he showed he's got a lot of energy," Bayliss said.

"He comes with a good reputation. We'll see how he does short-term and we can always extend his loan. He's a little bit different to what we've got and I think he will do really well."

Black arrives as Elderton departs after just one season at Holker Street.

The former Stockport County trainee had spells with Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End as a youngster.

He failed to make a breakthrough at Stockport and moved to Lancaster City before joining Kendal in January 2007.

"It's a decision we'd been thinking about for a few weeks now," Bayliss said.

"It's not been an easy decision by any means. Ryan did great for us last season but we just think we can strengthen that position with a bit more pace.

"Ryan is a fantastic lad and I'd like to thank him for everything he has done for the club."