Joe Anderson joins Accrington Stanley on two-year deal after Barrow exit | OneFootball

Joe Anderson has joined Accrington Stanley on a two-year deal after leaving Barrow following their relegation from League Two.

According to Sunderland Echo, the 25-year-old secures an immediate return to the EFL, having arrived at Barrow from Sunderland in January and making 14 appearances in the second half of the season.

The left-sided centre-back moved to Sunderland from Everton in January 2023 and made his senior debut the following month as a late substitute in a 1-1 Championship draw with Millwall.

He totalled seven senior outings for the Black Cats, then spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Shrewsbury Town in League One, playing 30 times before returning to Wearside.

Anderson progressed through Liverpool’s youth ranks before joining Everton at the age of 15 in 2016, signing his first professional contract in 2019 and later agreeing an extension prior to his Sunderland switch.

Accrington boss John Doolan believes Anderson’s EFL experience can be important next season, saying: “He understands levels, he has the drive to succeed, and he has played a number of games in the EFL.” “He is a left-sided centre-half and I know he will take the opportunity with both hands.”

The move adds to a busy summer of change for several former Sunderland players, with Anderson aiming to re-establish himself in League Two.

Source: Sunderland Echo