NEWTOWN have completed a double signing to boost their Europa League qualification bid which begins with the visit of Connahs Quay Nomads on Saturday.

The Robins have signed defender Sam Barnes from troubled Huws Gray Alliance side Bangor City while striker Porya Rio Ahmadi arrives from JD Welsh Premier rivals Aberystwyth Town having already signed midfielder George Hughes on loan from English League side Shrewsbury Town.

Barnes has previous experience at Stockport County, Marine, Northwich Victoria and Colwyn Bay and captained City in the Alliance this season until the North Wales club's financial woes were laid bare with 80k debts leading to a mass player exodus.

Iranian born Ahmadi is also a former Bangor player while also having experience with Rhyl and spells in the English non league with Salford City, Chorley and Stalybridge Celtic.

Ahmadi joins from Aberystwyth Town and provides competition in attack.

"I am really excited to get going," said Ahmadi. "I’ve had a good season so far and I’m looking to finish the season even better.

“I had a chat with the manager a few times over the last week and I liked his ideas and what he wanted from me and I also wanted to challenge myself in the top six with that Europa league spot up for grabs.

"This is one of main reasons why I’m here. It’s going to be very tough as all the teams are doing really well but every team is beatable in this league and I’m sure with the quality we have here we’re going to be a threat. I can’t wait for Saturday now.”

Ahmadi relished the chance to link up with Nick Rushton and Luke Boundford having played against both in recent years.

"I’ve played against them a lot in the past few years and I know what they’re all about," said Ahmadi. "I think we can all work really well together and use each other’s strengths to build a good front line.”

Meanwhile Barnes hopes his Newtown career will be less turbulent than his tenure at Bangor City.

“I am delighted to join Newtown, I have been watching the league closely as I wanted to make the step up as soon as I moved over to Welsh football and when the opportunity arrived I felt the club’s targets matched my own and was delighted to get the deal done.” said Barnes.

Fellow Welsh clubs were keen to get Barnes’ signature but it was Newtown that ticked all of the boxes.

Barnes added: “There was a number of clubs who made an offer as obviously phase two is massive in Wales but when I spoke to the gaffer I knew it was right for me.

“I have played against Newtown a few times during my time at Hednesford in pre-season games, so knew it was a good set up and it’s got even better since then with the 3G pitch in place.”

Barnes spoke of his new team-mates who had wasted no time in welcoming him to the club.

“It’s hard at first as you go from being a vocal part of the dressing room at your previous club to the new guy,” said Barnes, “To be fair Newtown have some good lads and they have all made sure that I get stuck in straight away and feel welcome.

“I can’t wait to get going to try and help the team finish as high as we can.

“There are massive games every week but as a player you want to play in them games and I’m no different. I am really looking forward to playing my part to help the team achieve it’s target.”

Meanwhile the Robins were still shopping as the transfer window closed last night (Thursday) as manager Chris Hughes looked to further bolster his squad after the winter exits of Jake Cook, Ben Bailey and Jolyon Harries left his squad threadbare.