Darius Osei returns to Stalybridge

The 28-year-old will begin his third spell with the club after departing for South Shields in 2020, where he became a key part in promotion to the National League North, becoming the club’s top goalscorer over two seasons with 33 goals in 95 appearances.

The striker joined Marine prior to the 2023/24 campaign, featuring 19 times and scoring on two occasions.

A Stalybridge Celtic Academy graduate, Osei made 47 appearances and scored 23 goals during his previous two spells in Tameside.

He becomes the first player to be signed by the club for a transfer fee since 2015.

On his return, Osei said: “It’s been a long time. I started my career here so it feels like I am coming back home.

“I’m ready to see the fans on Saturday, I’m here to bring excitement, goals and help get the club back up there.”

Celtic manager James Kinsey added: “I’ve got to give huge credit to club director Andrew Betts. He has worked so hard with me to make this one happen in recent weeks and we’re delighted to get a player of Darius’ quality into our squad. He will bring goals and real quality.

“Darius has had a frustrating start to the season, and wants to come and enjoy his football again.

“He is loved here by our fans which will be huge for him and helped us when identifying who we wanted to bring in.

“As we said in the summer, it is a process here and it will take time. This is a big step to getting the group to where we want it to be, and Darius will definitely compliment the fantastic squad we already have here.”

He will go into contention to start in Stalybridge’s next game at home to Nantwich Town in the Northern Premier League on Saturday.

Photo credit: South Shields FC