Celtic make double swoop

Stalybridge Celtic have moved quickly to make their first two signings of the summer. 

Firstly, the club have secured the signature of experienced defender Josh Granite. 

The 34-year-old has an impressive CV, having captained the Barrow side that earned promotion to the Football League, and arrives at Bower Fold off the back of a strong season as Matlock Town skipper, leading The Gladiators to a second-placed finish in the NPL East. 

Granite’s signing provides Celtic some much-needed cover at the heart of defence, following the recent retirement of stalwart centre half Aaron Chalmers, who hangs up his boots at the age of 35. 

Following his signing, the former Ashton United and Mossley man commented: 

“I’m excited and looking forward to meeting the squad in pre-season.  

“When I first spoke to the gaffer, he outlined the club’s ambitions for the upcoming season and it was something I wanted to be a part of. 

“The club’s clearly in a good place having come really close to promotion in both of the last two seasons and I look forward to doing my very best for the club in the upcoming season.” 

Celtic have also acquired the services of talented midfielder Cameron Fogerty, who joins from NPL West title winners Bury. 

During his time at Gigg Lane, the 22-year-old won back-to-back league titles, making 86 appearances along the way. 

Fogerty came through the ranks at Hyde United, before making the switch to Witton Albion, where he featured 78 times under Jon Macken’s stewardship. 

Following his signing, the deep-lying midfielder commented: 

“I’m very grateful for the opportunities Steve [Atkinson] and Jon have given me throughout my career - from academy football to non-league. 

“Stalybridge was always going to be my preferred option after finding out I was leaving Bury. 

“It’s the biggest club in the league with a great history. 

“I’m hungry and my only focus is winning this league again and helping the club to go one step further.”