Gannon in for trio of signings
JIM Gannon made three more additions to his Stockport County squad this week with the signings of Nyal Bell, Jake Kirby and Ash Palmer.
Bell, who came through the ranks at Rochdale and is a powerful forward, signed a deal on Tuesday afternoon just before the Express went to press.
Attacking midfielder Kirby is well known to County fans having spent a successful spell on loan at the club three years ago.
He scored five goals in 13 appearances for the Hatters in 2015 before he was recalled to Prenton Park.
He has now joined the Hatters on a permanent deal having made more than 100 appearances and scored eleven goals for Tranmere Rovers since turning pro in 2012.
Last season culminated in promotion for the Wirral side as they overcame Boreham Wood in the Play Off final at Wembley last month to return to the Football League.
He’s represented Tranmere in both Leagues One and Two, as well as the National League.
Former Guiseley captain Palmer has signed precontract terms and will officially become a Hatter at the start of next month.
The six-foot-two centre half spent two years with the Lions, and made 77 appearances.
He also holds a National League North winner’s medal, having won the title with North Ferriby United in 2016, and also being named Player of the Year with the Villagers in the same season.
Palmer, now 25, started his career as a youngster at Barnsley before spells with Scunthorpe United, Droylsden and Buxton.
He told County’s official website: “My ambition is to get back to full-time football, so County is a perfect fit – I’ve been in pro clubs before, and played a few games in the League, so my aim is to get back there and make a living as a full-time professional footballer, and I can make that transition here at County with their plans to go full-time.”
Palmer has been on Jim Gannon’s radar for more than two years, since winning the title with North Ferriby, so what can County fans expect from the big centre half?
“I like to defend, lead from the back, and do what I’m good at. I always give 100 per cent,” said Palmer.
“As soon as I came to Edgeley Park, had a look around and met Jim Gannon, I was sold – I knew I wanted to play here. I love the amount of detail he goes into, which is very different to what I’ve experienced in the past, he’s so thorough. He also spoke very highly of the group of players at the club – they are young and hungry, which is a good combination, and we certainly expect to be there or thereabouts with this squad.”
Palmer will officially join County on July 1 and will be available for the club’s pre-season friendly at Halifax on July 7.
Jim Gannon said: “I am delighted that we are now able to announce the signing of Ash Palmer, and talk about one of our main new players. I felt that the addition of a commanding centre back was a key requirement for our team.
“I wanted someone with leadership qualities, good experience, but also an appetite to become a better defender and player. Ash has a large number of games at National North and National level for a relatively young player, and at 25 still has aspirations to improve himself and play full time football in the future.
“When I met Ash I was impressed with him, on both a personal and professional level, and having watched and tracked his progress over the last two seasons I am really pleased he has chosen to join us. I guess it is also a recognition of the progress the club has made over the last two seasons, and the ambition and expectation that is being built for the forthcoming season, that provides confidence in higher level players like Ash to join us as they look to build their careers further at Stockport County.
“Ash along with Jordan Keane adds to the strength and experience at the heart of our team, and they will ensure a strong backbone for our new young vibrant team.’