Stockport County have signed former Southport winger Ben McKenna in time for the start of the new season.
The 24-year-old will go straight into Jim Gannon’s squad for County’s final pre-season friendly at Edgeley Park against Barrow this afternoon.
Ben, a former Northern Ireland Under-19 international, made his professional debut for Carlisle United in 2010, before moving on loan to Scottish side Annan Athletic where he made 19 appearances.
He has great experience at County’s level, having clocked up more than 100 appearances in the National League North for Bradford Park Avenue, Workington and Stalybridge Celtic.
Ben joined Southport last November but left Haig Avenue at the end of the season, after scoring two goals in 18 National League appearances for the Sandgrounders.
Count manager Jim Gannon said: “We have been looking to add reinforcements to squad over the last two weeks and Ben was a player we have been aware of all pre-season. The recent injury to Adam Thomas has accelerated our interest in him and I am delighted to have added him to our squad before the Barrow FC game.
“The level of quality in our first team at the moment makes it difficult to really improve the starting 11 but it is clear we need to strengthen to maintain the standards that we are setting for ourselves. We need competition to keep players sharp, and I would also like to have players who offer different tactical options and allow a change of formation or strategy.
“Ben offers natural width, and with his pace and direct running he should be an exciting addition to the team.”
Welcome to Stockport County, Ben.
