Stopforth returns to Edgeley

JIM Gannon moved to bolster the ranks at Edgeley Park last week, with the re-signing of energetic midfielder Gary Stopforth.

Stopforth originally joined County from National League North rivals Salford City last summer, and the eccentric midfielder soon proved a hit with the Hatters faithful during his six-month stint with the club before a January move to Australia.

Rumours have swirled over the summer of a potential return to the club for both Stopforth and former loanee midfielder Elliot Osborne, who also enjoyed a spell in midfield last season alongside Stopforth.

And despite Osborne’s loan move to League Two Morecambe last week, Gannon pounced to bring in the former Ramsbottom man Stopforth despite late interest by former club Salford.

“We have a natural diamond shape forming in our side, and when we had the chance to bring in someone with the experience of Gary, we couldn’t turn that down.

“It does also allow players like Jimmy Ball and Darren Stephenson to be released as more attacking players, so it’s a good move for us,” Gannon explained.

Stopforth was presented to fans during last week’s 3-0 win over neighbours Curzon Ashton, but was unlikely to make his second debut for the club as the Hatters travelled to Salford on Tuesday evening as the Express went to print – with the 29 year-old’s international clearance not yet completed after his spell in Australia.