County coup as Madden arrives
Hatters land coveted striker from League One Fleetwood in signal of intent to rivals
AFTER weeks of speculation, County confirmed the signing of Fleetwood Town top scorer Paddy Madden for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal this week.
The 31-year-old forward penned the deal on Monday evening following a weekend rife with talk over his future at Fleetwood, with Cod Army boss Simon Grayson opening the door for a possible exit for the Irishman following Saturday’s 0-0 draw with rivals Blackpool in League One.
And late on Monday night, The Hatters confirmed the deal – reported to be into six figures – and noted that the Irishman would be immediately available for selection, ahead of Tuesday evening’s scheduled visit of struggling Barnet to Edgeley Park.
Fleetwood supporters reacted largely unhappily to the move when talk first surfaced over the weekend, but Grayson and the club acknowledged that County’s lengthy contract offer was a factor in tempting the experienced forward to Edgeley Park, with the “security” of the deal too much to turn down for Madden.
The former Scunthorpe United forward boasts a long list of accolades in his career to date, with Madden leaving Fleetwood as the club’s record Football League goalscorer with 53 goals in three seasons.
Madden also sits just ten goals off the all-time record for goals scored by an individual in League One, with County “delighted’ to obtain the services of a striker the club feels is still in his prime.
The Irish forward has not started a game since testing positive for Covid19 earlier this year, but leaves Fleetwood as their top goalscorer for the campaign with nine goals across all competitions so far.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Paddy and I am delighted that he has accepted the challenge of helping this team and club grow,” said manager Simon Rusk.
“While his experience, and track record speaks for itself, I am drawn to his attitude and hunger for the game. When he walks into our dressing room, he will find similar spirits. We have a strong, together and like-minded group, and this is what makes Paddy a fantastic addition for us.”
The Hatters have made no secret of their pursuit of a striker in recent weeks, with youngsters
Sam Dalby and Jack Stretton both joining on loan from Watford and Derby respectively, whilst Chorley striker Harry Cardwell also penned a loan deal until the end of the season.
But there has been a concerted effort as of late to secure the services of a ‘recognised’ goalscorer at Edgeley Park, with talk briefly linking Barrow forward Scott Quigley with a move prior to the successful pursuit of Madden.
“This signing has been a targeted group effort by several of the fantastic team here at County, with many things having to fall into place to get this deal over the line,” said Director of Football Simon Wilson.
“It is testament to the excitement that surrounds the club that a player coveted by many clubs of higher levels sees his immediate future with us. We don’t make this signing without the fanbase we have, the infrastructure we have and the vision we have here at the Football Club. Together it is incredibly powerful and shows how special it is to be here right now.”
Meanwhile, new boy Madden – who looked set to make his Hatters bow in Tuesday evening’s visit of Barnet – expressed his delight at joining “a sleeping giant” of the National League.
“I’m delighted. I always think of Stockport as a sleeping giant, so when I heard of the interest and of the project going on here, I wanted to be a part of it.”
“It’s exciting times. The chairman has big ambitions for the club, there’s a really strong group of players here and I want to be a part of that and to help the club back into the
Football League.”
“Obviously my strength is in my goalscoring. First and foremost is to get the club back into the league, and any way I can help that and any goals I can chip in with to achieve that are what I’m here for.”
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