Smith and Mooney-Muñoz join Stalybridge

Smith, 24, links up with James Kinsey’s squad after spending most of last season at Stafford Rangers, having signed from Gainsborough Trinity in September 2022.

The right-back has also played for Mickleover FC and Brighouse Town.

Mooney-Muñoz, meanwhile, joins the club after making 52 appearances for NWCFL side Winsford United last season.

Prior to joining Winsford, he previously featured for Madrid-based CD Canillas before a season with Wythenshawe FC, where he was their Player’s Player of the Season in 2021/22.

On joining Celtic, Mooney-Muñoz said: “I’m really excited and happy to be joining such a historic club. I’ve worked hard to get this opportunity and I’m looking forward to keep progressing and developing as a player.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing against the gaffer’s teams in the past. They’ve always been strong and organised and you know you’ve been in a match. I’m sure he’ll instil the same ethos at Bower Fold.

“I’m looking forward to meeting everyone, playing for Stalybridge Celtic and make the coming season successful. It’s what the fans will expect and deserve.”

Discussing his two new arrivals, Stalybridge boss Kinsey said: “Darius has everything we want in a full-back. He’s athletic and also brings a vocal side of the game with him.

“He has the experience of playing in a higher division and we’re delighted to be able to give him the platform to play consistently and push on.

“It’s important that we keep adding lads to the group that suit and complement each other so we can create a real unity between us. Darius definitely fits within that category, so we’re really happy to have got this done.

"Gabriel is a player who has a good future in the game. He has that low centre of gravity that makes it difficult to get the ball from him and he’s eager to get better.

"We’re looking forward to seeing how he progresses here.”

Photo credit: Winsford United