County have signed goal-scoring midfielder Adam Hammill on a three-month loan deal from Scunthorpe United.
The 31-year-old, who has played in the Premier League as well as cup finals north and south of the border, started his professional career under Rafa Benitez at Liverpool.
Adam, who can play as winger or through the middle, will remain with County until January 4, 2020. This will be the first time he has played in non-league.
Adam, who represented England at Under-21 level, joined Liverpool at the age of nine and was part of their successful FA Youth Cup winning side in 2006. His Academy coach, Liverpool legend Steve Heighway, successfully encouraged him to play as a winger during his time at Melwood.
In 2007 he went on loan to Dunfermline and helped them to reach the Scottish Cup final, before spending the following season on loan at Southampton in the Championship.
Rafa handed him a five-year contract in 2008, but after loan spells at Blackpool and Barnsley, Adam opted to make a permanent move to Oakwell.
In 2011, his form attracted the interest of Wolves and he moved to the Premier League outfit for a fee of £500,000, ironically making his debut against his beloved Liverpool.
In 2013, he joined Huddersfield on a three-year deal, before making a return to Barnsley where he hit the winner to secure the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy against Oxford United in 2016. Eight weeks later, he was back at Wembley scoring a decisive goal in the League One Play Off final victory over Millwall.
In total, he made 199 appearances for the Tykes, scoring 26 goals.
In January, Adam signed for Scunthorpe United following a brief spell in the SPL with St Mirren where he scored four goals in 13 appearances, including a wonder goal from inside his own half against Hibs.
County boss Jim Gannon said: “It’s not often players of Adam’s calibre become available on loan but he’s got immense talent and a real desire to play games. He’s had a great career already, and at the age of 31 he still has lots to offer clubs in the Football League.
Due to loan restrictions outside of the window Adam had to consider options outside the League and I’m delighted we’ve been able to convince him that County is one of the best clubs outside of the League. I’m grateful to Scunthorpe for accommodating the deal and after three weeks of work behind the scenes I can’t wait to see him play in the County blue at Edgeley Park.
“He adds great experience and know-how to the group, and is versatile enough to be able to play in any of the attacking midfield positions.”
Adam goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s home clash with Torquay United in the National League. Welcome to Edgeley Park, Adam.
