ROVERS’ long pursuit of Amari’i Bell ended on Friday when they finally secured the signing of the left back from Fleetwood Town.

Bell watched from the stands at Highbury as his new side came out on top against his former employers, less than 24 hours after his switch to Ewood Park was confirmed.

Roves boss Tony Mowbray had tracked Bell for a number of weeks and finally got his man when the 23-year-old arrived for a fee in the region of £300,000.

Mowbray had reiterated throughout the Bell discussions that the move wasn’t stalling because of the player, who signed a two-and-a-half year deal in East Lancashire.

He is likely to be involved in the squad for the visit of Northampton this weekend, and Mowbray believes his new additions have bolstered his squad.

“Delighted,” the Ewood boss said of his reaction to signing Bell. “He’s delighted as well.

“It’s important to tell the supporters that he was desperate to come weeks ago but it just got stuck in the mud a little bit.

“He covers an area of the pitch we felt that we would be vulnerable if Derrick (Williams) was to pick up a knock, we could play (Paul) Caddis there, but it can be a bit awkward playing a right footer on the left.

“We’re happy, the squad feels better and is more accomplished and ready now.”

Mowbray has been looking to create competition for Williams at left back, with Bell brought in after Sam Hart was allowed to join Rochdale on loan.

And the boss has backed his new signing to flourish.

He added: “One of the reasons he’s here is because he sees this club as a vehicle for him – it’s a club which matches his ambitions. I know for a fact he had some options in the Championship and yet he sees this as an opportunity to get on board with a vehicle that’s going in the right direction.

“He can grow with the team. That makes sense to me, rather than taking another option at a Championship club and not playing for half a season.

“He’s made his decision, he’s here and he understands there is competition. It’s a challenge for him and I know that with his talent he’ll grow into this team.”