Many happy returns today to defender Chris Smalley, who turns 29, and to teenage striker Szymon Czubik, who celebrates his 19th birthday.
Centre-half Chris joined us from Kendal to help address an injury crisis during December 2015 – and made his debut in a 4-0 win at Corby Town. He has since gone on to appear for the Hatters on just under 100 occasions in all competitions – and was, for a brief period at the beginning of this calendar year following his New Year’s Day brace at Alfreton Town, County’s top goal-scorer in 2018! Before arriving at Edgeley Park, he also spent time at Chorley and Clitheroe – as well as playing under Jim Gannon at Northwich Victoria.
Szymon, meanwhile, also made his mark as a hitman in front of goal during 2017/18 – albeit rather more prolifically, while playing for Alan Lord’s Academy which he joined two years ago after impressing in a friendly with Goole. His goal-scoring exploits saw him net in 13 consecutive fixtures last term, and on his first-team debut in the Cheshire Senior Cup-tie at Cheadle Town – before earning him a professional contract until the end of next season. He subsequently took his National League North bow as a substitute at EP in our final regular match of the campaign against Darlington.
Very best wishes to both Chris and Szymon from the Club – and from Hatters everywhere.