Harrop and Dwyer join Stalybridge

The club have completed their fourth and fifth summer additions, in the shape of midfielder Max Harrop and defender James Dwyer.

Harrop arrives after most recently featuring for Ashton United, who he joined last summer. Prior to this, he spent three seasons with Altrincham, where he made 87 appearances and scored 11 goals.

In his first season with Altrincham, they won the Northern Premier League title.

The midfielder began his career in Liverpool's academy and also lists Bury, Nantwich Town, Ramsbottom United and Curzon Ashton amongst his previous clubs.

“The project and the club itself were big draws for me," Harrop said.

"A club like this shouldn’t be at this level, and hopefully I can help get them back where they belong. The challenge of stepping down to this level, which is something I haven’t done before in my career, is a challenge I look forward to.

"I can’t wait to show the supporters at Stalybridge what I’m about.”

Also making the move to Bower Fold is central defender Dwyer, who featured 34 times for Wythenshawe Town - recently-appointed manager James Kinsey's previous club - during the 2022/23 season.

Prior to joining Wythenshawe last summer, he featured for Prestwich Hayes.

Discussing his new recruits, Stalybridge manager James Kinsey said: “Max is a player we have liked for some time. He’s had very good moments and played at a very high standard.

“In recent years he’s lost his love for it a bit and we’re hoping we can instil that love back into the game for him. There won’t be many better creative players in the league, so he’s absolutely a welcome addition for us.

“James has all of the attributes to play much, much higher with the greatest of respects to our level. If he applies himself correctly and keeps wanting to improve, he will be a key factor in where we end up this season.

“He was a key target, so again we’re very happy he’s chosen to come and be a part of what we’re trying to achieve here.”

Earlier this week, the club also confirmed the triple-signing of Michael Brewster, Greg Wilkinson and Matty Bryan ahead of the new season.

Photo credit: Stalybridge Celtic