Defender Chris Smalley has been released from his contract with Stockport County and is now expected to sign a permanent deal with Stalybridge Celtic, where he has been on loan since October.
The 29-year-old centre half joined the Hatters at the end of 2015 from Kendal and went on to make more than 100 appearances for County, forming a formidable partnership with Michael Clarke last season and scoring four goals during the campaign as County reached the National League North Play Offs.
But Chris has been unable to force his way back into the first team this season since the arrival of Ash Palmer from Guiseley and Jamie Stott from Oldham Athletic, and opted to move to Bower Fold on a temporary basis three months ago.
Chris started his career with Atherton Collieries before spending four seasons at Chorley. He then made more than 100 appearances for Clitheroe, after joining them in 2012. He spent a season playing under Jim Gannon at Northwich Victoria, before signing for Salford City.
Thank you, Chris, and good luck for the future.
