Radcliffe announce first two summer recruits

Standing at 6’5, Stewart arrives at the Neuven Stadium from Ramsbottom United, where he picked up the Player of the Year and Supporters' Player of the Year award for the 2021/22 season.

He also secured nine clean sheets as Ramsbottom finished 15th in the NPL West Division table.

The 26-year-old was once part of Bradford City's youth set-up before later moving onto Blackburn Rovers, Morecambe and Northern Premier League newcomers Guiseley.

In his senior career, he later re-signed for Morecambe and made his Football League debut in March 2015 against Shrewsbury Town, coming up against future Radcliffe team-mates Bobby Grant and Jean-Louis Akpa-Akpro.

Stewart's other former clubs include Buxton, Salford City and Stalybridge Celtic.

Radcliffe interim manager Bobby Grant said: “Tom is a fantastic goalkeeper and proved he has what it takes last season. He is now ready to progress his career with Radcliffe.

"When I spoke to Tom, he was hungry to be successful and wanted to be part of the journey at this football club. His personality will fit in perfectly at Radcliffe FC and I am sure the supporters will take to him straight away.”

Meanwhile former Bamber Bridge winger Jake Thompson has also joined the club.

The 23-year-old scored on his Brig debut against Radcliffe in January, netting an 88th-minute winner after coming on as a second-half substitute.

Comfortable with playing in a number of attacking positions, he will add to the ever-growing options ahead of the new season, with Grant, Luca Navarro and Matty Crothers all able to play in a similar role.

“Jake is a winger who I kept a close eye on last season after he scored the winner past us at home for Bamber Bridge," Grant added.

"He is a very direct winger with pace and good end product, and I am sure he will get the Boro fans off their seats next season.

"From the first conversation I had with Jake, it was clear that he wanted to come here and will fit in very easily at this club.”

Photo credit: Radcliffe FC