Tiger Dean Windass now a Swan with Barton Town

BARTON Town have announced one of the transfer coups of the season – the signing of former Hull City striker Dean Windass.

The 41-year-old has been on the media circuit since retiring from playing after his brief stint as player-coach at Darlington.

HUMBER CROSSING: Former Hull City player Dean Windass, who has joined Barton Town, after scoring the winner in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
Dean Windass after scoring for Hull City at Wembley

He applied for the manager's post at Blundell Park before Neil Woods was appointed boss last November and has recently been linked with the vacancy at Hartlepool United.

But he is now set to get his boots back on this season inNorthern Counties East Division One

Swans boss Dave Anderson and his new recruit know each other from their time in the Hull City youth set-up.

Windass is set to take his bow at the Euronics Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday in their game with Yorkshire Amateurs (3pm).

Anderson has called on the services of the ex-Bradford City front man as he struggles to contend with unavailability.

Gareth Barlow, Matt Fyvie and Richard Medcalf will all be missing against Amateurs.

"Dean has given the players a major lift and his wealth of experience will rub off on the players," said Anderson.

"We have started really well but we have a problem with strikers and he is going to come in and fill the gap.

"He is a highly respected footballer and it's a fantastic coup for the club with what we are trying to do. He has signed for the season so it's where needs must."

"I'd like him to come and meet the players tonight at training but that is subject to his commitments with Sky.

"It is on a game by game basis."

The former Tiger, who played more than 600 games in his career, joins a table topping side who are unbeaten so far this campaign.

Anderson, however, is refusing to get caught up in the Swans' excellent start.

"We are not going to get carried away by the start because football has a habit of kicking you in the teeth," said Anderson, who now has his side training twice a week.

"We are doing well from that point of view.

"(But) we are three games into a 38 league game season.

"The players themselves are training hard but when you are at the top everyone wants to beat you so you have to train even harder."