We are delighted to announce the additions of defender Todd Kane and Manchester City forward Ben Knight, who both join us until the end of the season.
The signings see Dave Challinor further strengthen his squad as we prepare for the final 11 league games of the campaign, looking to secure automatic promotion to League One.
Todd Kane:
Former QPR and Coventry City full-back Kane has signed a deal until the end of the season, subject to international clearance, having trained with the first-team squad in recent weeks.
The 30-year-old began his career at boyhood club Chelsea, joining the Premier League side as an under-8 and spending 18 years at Stamford Bridge. In 2012, at the age of 18, he was named in the travelling squad for the Champions League final in Munich, which the Blues went on to win on penalties.
Todd enjoyed several loan spells during his time at Chelsea, covering League One, the Championship and the Eredivisie in Holland. He made over 200 appearances whilst out on loan at his respective clubs, whilst also featuring for England U19s eight times.
Upon leaving Chelsea permanently in 2019, he has spent four seasons playing in the Championship with QPR and Coventry City, before a short spell earlier this season with Gibraltar side Manchester 62.
Comfortable with both feet and capable playing on either side of the defence, Todd adds further depth to Dave Challinor’s side as we head into the final 11 games of the season with everything to play for in League Two.
Director of Football, Simon Wilson said:
“Todd joins us for this important final run of games to support the first-team group with his experience and quality. After losing Macca, Kyle, Akil and even more recently Will Collar, Todd helps strengthen our right back/wing back position. He has shown a real desire to be at the club and help us, and I’m sure he can.”
Ben Knight:
Manchester City forward Ben Knight is currently on loan at Edgeley Park until the end of the season. The 21-year-old has been training with the first-team squad at County since January, as part of his rehabilitation from an injury, and was signed on loan in order to be registered for the second half of the season.
A decision was made at the time not to announce the deal initially, in order to allow Ben to focus on his progress without any undue pressure or expectation placed on him. We are delighted to announce that he is now in a position to play and contribute to the first team for the remainder of the campaign.
The exciting young forward began his professional career in Ipswich Town’s academy, excelling at youth-team level before joining Manchester City as a 16-year-old in 2018, in a deal worth over £1 million.
Ben made his debut for Pep Guardiola’s side in 2021, coming on as a substitute for the Premier League champions at Wembley in the FA Community Shield against Leicester City.
He then had a short loan spell at Crewe Alexandra whilst the club were in League One, scoring twice in ten appearances for the Railwaymen.
Ben will wear the number 31 shirt during his time at Edgeley Park and is available for Thursday night’s game against Salford City in League Two.
Director of Football, Simon Wilson said:
“Ben initially came to train with us in the summer, but unfortunately had a set-back very early in the training period which meant we couldn’t get a full look at him. All parties agreed to re-look at things on his return and so, after he had worked very hard with City to rehabilitate, in January Ben came back in to train with us again.
“Given his time out we all agreed to take things slow, and although he signed in the January window, we did not want to put pressure on him by making an announcement until we all felt more certain he was ready to play. Now, after 6-7 weeks now of steady and measured progress we are delighted to say Ben comes into our group and is available for selection. He is a talented creative attacking player who we feel strengthens our attacking options for the final run in.”
