Academy defender Ellis Farrar has today signed his first pro-contract with the Club, before completing a loan move to Irish side Finn Harps for the remainder of the season, alongside Daniel Okwute.
Ellis, 19, joined the academy’s full-time training programme at the beginning of the season, having previously caught the eye during his time playing for Guiseley U19s.
The left-sided centre-half has since gone from strength to strength whilst playing for the Scholars side under manager Jamie Crowther, earning the opportunity to train with the first-team at Carrington, and we are delighted that he has now signed a pro-deal at the Club until 2024.
He now makes the temporary move to League of Ireland First Division side Finn Harps in the next stage of his development. The Harps begin their league campaign on the 24th February, with a trip to Athlone Town.
He will be joined during his time in Ireland by striker Daniel Okwute, who brings his time at Warrington Rylands to an early end in order to complete a loan move back to his homeland.
We wish them both the very best of luck during the next step of their career!
Academy Manager, Damien Allen said:
“We first saw Ellis playing as a CB/LB for Guiseley FC U19s team last season, and offered him the opportunity to access a full-time training program,e at the beginning of the current 2022/23 season with our EFL Scholars group. Since then, a huge amount of development in his physical, technical, tactical, and psychological aspects of the game has taken place, thanks to his hard work and excellent attitude, but also due to the expertise of the PDP staff that have planned and implemented the full-time programme.
“In the modern game, you don’t often come across a young defender who is willing to head, block, and tackle in the manner he does. He has shown bravery and maturity beyond his years. It’s exciting to see how he will develop further in the next 18 months of his journey at Stockport County.”
Director of Football, Simon Wilson said:
“This looks like a terrific opportunity for both players to develop on and off the pitch, in an excellent developmental environment. Loans are a core part of a young players’ development. It’s something I feel we are starting to work really well on between Academy, Scouting and first team staff. We wish both players the best for the period and will be there for ongoing support”
