Stockport County have signed creative midfielder Elliot Osborne on a permanent deal from Southport following a successful loan spell.
Osborne, who scored during Saturday’s 2-0 win at Curzon Ashton, has signed for the Hatters on a two-year deal until the end of the 2019/2020 season.
The 22-year-old has impressed everyone at Edgeley Park since rejoining the Hatters in September, including manager Jim Gannon, who said: “Elliot has been outstanding since returning to Edgeley Park and I’m grateful to the Board that they’ve been able to allocate the additional funds to make this happen.
“Elliot has been a great addition and it has shown in our improved form since his arrival. It is great to finally work with Elliot on a permanent basis as we both have the security and knowledge of working together for mutual growth. I trust that as he matures and develops as a player that it will add to our own growth as a team and club.”
Elliot’s return to Edgeley Park has coincided with the Hatters enjoying a nine-match unbeaten run and clocking up six wins from the past eight fixtures.
The talented midfielder first joined County in January 2017, and scored one goal in six appearances before returning to his parent club Fleetwood Town.
He left the Cod Army last January to join Southport for an undisclosed fee, signing an 18-month deal at Haig Avenue. But Jim Gannon kept a close eye on Elliot and was able to bring him back to County. Since returning to Edgeley Park, Elliot has scored one goal and made eight appearances for the club.
Elliot started his career as a youngster at Port Vale, spending nine years at Vale Park before spells at Newcastle Town and Nantwich Town, where he caught the eye by scoring 22 goals from midfield in 2015/16. He has also gained experience during loan spells with Tranmere Rovers and Morecambe.
Amazingly, Elliot has never lost whilst wearing County colours – that’s 14 games and counting!
