Stretton Strengthens Strike Force

The club is pleased to confirm the signing of forward Jack Stretton on a short term loan deal until 5 January.

The 23-year-old former Nottingham Forest and Derby County youth team player joins from Stockport County, where he has been since January 2023.

Stretton broke through from the Derby academy and made his debut in a 1-1 draw against Wycombe Wanderers in 2020 and went on to make 13 appearances and scored one goal.

“I’m buzzing to be here, I can’t wait to get started,  this is a huge club with huge expectations,” he said.

“As soon as I spoke to my agent and was told this was an option and it was a no brainer really.

“I trained for the first time today, the coaching staff are incredible, this is a club on the rise so I’m privileged to be a part of it.

“I love scoring goals, like any striker does, I’ll make runs in behind and contribute in any way I can to help this club achieve the success it deserves.”

He had a brief successful spell on loan at Stockport in 2021 scoring three goals in five games.

Before the start of the 2022/23 season he joined Carlisle on a season-long loan deal where he made 18 appearances, scoring two goals.

Then in January 2023, he was recalled to allow him to return to Stockport but this time permanently, for an undisclosed fee on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Manager Micky Mellon said: “We’ve known about Jack for a while, Stockport value him very highly and want him to play games.

“He will push and add to what we already have, he’s played in some big games and operated a high level comfortably.

“We’re looking forward to having him here and operating at the top end of the pitch where he will bring real quality.

“The competition for places is a real healthy environment and Jack comes in and adds to that, he’s a great person as well as a footballer so we’re delighted to have him here.”

Jack will wear the number 15 shirt.

Welcome to the club, Jack!