Stockport County is delighted to announce the signing of former Manchester United and Stoke City attacker Nick Powell on a free transfer.
County have seen off interest from several other clubs to secure the services of the 29-year-old, who joins on a three-year-deal after four years at Stoke where he made over 100 appearances in the Championship, scoring 27 goals.
Nick first burst onto the scene after coming through the academy at Cheshire rivals Crewe Alexandra, making his debut for the club at just 16 years old in 2010 – becoming the second youngest player in the club’s history at the time.
He went on to make a further 18 appearances for the club during the 2010/11 season, but it as the following year when he really started to make a name for himself.
At just 17, the midfielder made 45 appearances for the Railwaymen, scoring an impressive 16 goals – including a stunning volley against Cheltenham at Wembley in the League Two play-off final, as Crewe secured promotion to League One. He finished that season as Crewe’s Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Goal of the Season winner.
A big move seemed inevitable for the youngster, who sure enough signed for Manchester United that summer for a reported £6million fee, one of the last signings made by Sir Alex Ferguson during his time at Old Trafford.
He enjoyed a dream debut for the Premier League giants, coming on as a second-half substitute against Wigan Athletic in the Premier League and going on to find the back of the net in a 4-0 win for the Red Devils.
Ironically, Nick then went on to enjoy a successful loan spell at Wigan in the Championship the following season, scoring 12 times in 41 appearances during his spell there. He made club history during his time at the DW Stadium by scoring the club’s first ever goal in European competition, part of a brace in a 3-1 win over NK Maribor in the Europa League group stage.
Loan spells with Leicester City and Hull City followed, as well as a Champions League debut with United in their group-stage game against Wolfsburg, before he returned to Wigan permanently in 2016.
He spent three seasons with the Latics during his second spell, firing them to the League One title 2018 after scoring 15 goals from as an attacking midfielder/forward, earning him a nomination for League One Player of the Year. He scored a further eight times in the Championship the following season, as Wigan secured their Championship status under former County midfielder Paul Cook.
The former England U21 international then completed a move to Stoke in 2019, becoming a key player under manager Michael O’Neill in the second half of the season as the Potters pulled themselves clear of the relegation zone.
He picked up the club’s Player of the Year award in 2021 after finishing the season as their top scorer, with 12 goals and three assists in 39 appearances. He started the following season on fire, with six goals in his opening ten games, before injury disrupted the rest of his campaign. Nick leaves Stoke having made 119 appearances for the club, scoring 28 times.
His move to County signals a return to League Two for the first time since his days at Crewe, and we are delighted to have secured his services for the next three years. He will join up with Dave Challinor’s squad on Monday, following the team’s return from Pinatar this weekend.
Nick Powell said:
“I’m really happy to be here and to be a part of what’s happening at County right now. I think everyone can see what an exciting journey the club is on, the ambitions that the owner has for the club, and that was something that really appealed to me when deciding on my next move.
“The boys came so close to promotion last season, we all know the aim is to take that next step this time round and be a League One club, which is where a club the size of County belong – hopefully I can play my part in making that a reality.”
Director of Football, Simon Wilson said:
“Nick represents a real coup for the club and will be an exciting addition to our squad.
“I’m sure our fans will know of his quality, which has taken him to the very top of the game. However, he also knows what success in League Two and League One looks like, and what I’ve learned from being around him is just his love for the game.
“He has fully bought in to what is going on here. He has come to enjoy his football, and help us climb the leagues.”
First-team Manager, Dave Challinor said:
“I’d like to welcome Nick to the club. His reputation precedes him really in terms of his quality and ability, and for him to select us as the next chapter in his career is a big compliment for the club. In terms of the team and squad, to have a talent such as him in our corner will undoubtedly make us stronger and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”
