The Club can confirm that defender Ash Palmer has today joined National League side Chesterfield for an undisclosed fee, subject to FA approval.
Ash leaves the Club after four and a half years of incredible success at Edgeley Park that have seen him establish himself as a true Stockport County icon and Club legend. Last season’s National League win saw him become one of only four players in the modern era to win two league titles with the Club, alongside Sam Minihan, Jordan Keane and Ben Hinchliffe.
A free transfer from Guiseley AFC in 2018, the 30-year-old has made 185 appearances for County in all competitions, becoming a mainstay of our defence in each of the last four seasons, whilst developing a reputation for popping up with decisive moments at the other end of the pitch.
He has scored 22 goals since making his debut for the Club, providing us with some truly iconic moments such as the first at Nuneaton on the day we were crowned National League North Champions, as well as THAT header against Bolton in the FA Cup last season.
After winning the North title in 2019, the following season saw him named as both the Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Year after a fine start to life back in the National League. He made a further 46 appearances in all competitions last season at the heart of County’s back three, as the Club finally secured promotion back to the Football League after an 11-year absence.
Loved by County fans, players and staff alike, his ‘magic hat’ song will be sung from the stands at Edgeley Park for years to come, as he now departs in search of regular first-team football.
We would like to thank him for his incredible service to the Club, and we look forward to welcoming him back to Edgeley Park again soon to celebrate his time as a County player.
Ash Palmer said:
“Thank you for the last four and a half years at this great football club. I have made some great memories, but more importantly some great friends during my time at County.
“I will be forever grateful to Mark Stott and Simon Wilson for giving me the opportunity and platform to return to full-time football and experience some great occasions during my career. Everyone connected with the football club, at the training ground, the offices at EP, the match-day staff, community workers, coaches, managers, players, volunteers and directors from the past and present – during my time here you have all been a credit to the Club.
“I have been fortunate enough to work with these people on a daily/weekly basis and all the above mentioned have played a part in getting us to where we are today.
“Lastly, a big thank you to the supporters for making me and my family feel a part of the Stockport County during my time here. I wish you all the best for the future, and hope to see you all again soon.
Ash’s departure means that Academy defender Luke Partington has been called up to the squad for this weekend’s Emirates FA Cup tie at Charlton Athletic.
Manager Dave Challinor said:
“Ash goes with everyone’s best wishes and also with some sadness. He’s been a great servant for the Club as well as a brilliant professional and person to work and share some brilliant memories and achievements with.
“Understandably there’s been some interest in him in the last month or so, and it came to a point where he’d expressed the desire to be playing football. With that in mind and the relationship he has with everyone at the Club, the feeling was that it was necessary to allow this to happen if a deal suited all parties. This was the case and he moves on looking to gain another promotion from the National League with Chesterfield.
“That equalising goal versus Bolton on that memorable evening at Edgeley Park in the FA Cup will be the lasting memory for me during the time we’ve spent together. Good luck, Ash.”
