FORMER York City midfielder Fin Barnes has joined King’s Lynn Town on a permanent deal after just two months with Vanarama National League newcomers Braintree.

He failed to make a competitive appearance for the Iron, who currently sit 20th after the first five rounds of fixtures.

Barnes, who progressed through Norwich City’s academy, earned a move to the LNER Community Stadium last summer after impressing with Leiston, for whom he scored 35 times in 117 appearances.

The 23-year-old made just six appearances for the Minstermen in his sole season before his contract was mutually terminated in June, with the majority of his playing time instead coming in loans at Vanarama National League North sides Scarborough Athletic and Darlington.

He featured six times for the Quakers but saw his most success at Scarborough, netting four goals in 21 appearances under former City midfielder Jono Greening. In an interview with BBC Radio York, the Seadogs boss hinted that he had been ‘the one that got away’ during the summer.

The playmaker now returns to East Anglia with King’s Lynn, for whom he featured against twice for Scarborough in the National League North last season.

On Barnes’ signing, Linnets boss Adam Lakeland told the club: “I’m delighted to get Fin in the building.

“He’s a player we’ve liked for some time and did attempt to sign him in the off-season, so to now get him on-board is a real positive and he makes the group even stronger.

“He’s a creative player who is strong in 1v1 situations, can go past people and is a real threat in the final third. I’m sure he will be someone the supporters enjoy watching and I look forward to him playing”.

Barnes enthused: “I’m really happy and excited to join, get minutes and enjoy my football down at The Walks.” 

King’s Lynn will continue their National League North campaign tomorrow at Radcliffe before a midweek trip could see the midfielder line up against Scarborough on Tuesday evening.