County doing things the Wright way

Stockport County are pleased to confirm the signing of former York City midfielder Akil Wright on a two-year-deal.

A powerful, tough tackling defensive midfielder with a reputation for box-to-box runs, the 26-year-old leaves York having played a key part in their promotion back to the National League in the play-offs last season, making 43 league appearances and being named in the National League North Team of the Season.

By joining the Club he again links up with manager Dave Challinor, with the County boss keen to add the 26-year-old to the squad having previously worked with him during a brief loan spell at AFC Fylde from Fleetwood in 2015.

Akil began his career at non-league Ilkeston before joining Fleetwood as an 18-year-old for an undisclosed fee. He went on to enjoy time out on loan at Fylde, Barrow and Wrexham, before making his move to the Racecourse permanent in January 2018.

He spent three years in total at the Welsh Club, making just shy of 100 appearances before leaving in 2020 to join York. During his time there in the last two years he has become a key presence in the middle of the park, described as the ‘engine room of the midfield’, whilst he has also capably filled in at centre-back when needed.

After helping John Askey’s side to promotion in the play-off final against Boston less than a month ago, Akil now joins County on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract and will join up with the rest of the squad for pre-season next Monday.

Manager Dave Challinor said:

“Akil is a player and a person that I’ve known for some time, having watched his career since his days at Ilkeston and after working with him very briefly at Fylde. We have looked extensively at profiles for an athletic, destroyer type defensively midfielder and Akil has all of these attributes and more.

“He’s probably been a victim of his athleticism in his career to date, having been played in most positions, but his last few years at York have seen him develop in that deep lying role. He is a player again at a great age that can develop with us, and I believe the best of him is yet to come. We are really looking forward to working with him in our environment and I know he will thrive during his time here.”

Director of Football Simon Wilson said:

“Akil is a player with physical attributes above the level, and after playing a large part of his career as an attacking midfielder has settled into what we believe is a better fit for him as a defensive midfielder.

“After watching him a number of times last season playing his part in a successful season for York, he is one we feel can add different qualities to our midfield to compliment what we see as a strong area for us. We look forward to welcoming into the group for the exciting season ahead.”


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