York City have today announced the signing of veteran goalkeeper David Stockdale on a free transfer from Sheffield Wednesday, according to their official website.
The 37-year-old spent last season at Hillsborough making 27 appearances for the Owls in a season which was marked with success for the Yorkshire club. Wednesday would go on to win promotion in dramatic fashion, scoring a 120th minute winner in the play-off final against Barnsley after overcoming a 4-0 semi final deficit against Peterborough United.
Stockdale started the season as the first choice goalkeeper, but lost his position to Cameron Dawson mid-way through the season. The Yorkshireman actually began his career with York, and will be returning to the National League club to end his career.
A product of the York academy, Stockdale returns 20 years after making his debut for the Minstermen as a 17-year-old. The keeper made 24 appearances for York before moving up the leagues and eventually ending up playing in the Premier League for Fulham.
What will the signing bring?
Bringing a wealth of experience to the club, Stockdale will be helping the Minstermen on improving on their 19th place finish in the National League this season. The Yorkshire side have not been in the football league since 2016 and even dropped down to the National League North from 2017-2022. Stockdale has also been hired as the head of recruitment at the club, and his experience and contacts in the football league could see some well-recognised names come through the door this summer.
Who is David Stockdale?
Having made almost 500 competitive appearance at a senior level, Stockdale will be one of the most experienced players in the National League. Starting his career at York, he has played at the highest level in the country for Fulham, making 39 Premier league appearances as well as 249 Championship appearances for various sides. Stockdale has enjoyed a hugely impressive career and returns to the National League in a dual role as a player and head of recruitment as he looks to life after playing. Although his best days are behind him, the 37-year-old still has something to give.
What’s been said?
On returning to his first club, Stockdale said:
“It was one of the things I wanted to do, to come back here.”
“I didn’t express that to anybody but my family, but 20 years after I made my debut, to come back and try and help while I can, I’m really pleased.”
When speaking about his dual role, the goalkeeper said:
“I could have stayed just playing in the EFL, but I also wanted to go into that side of it.”
“I’ve been getting experience of it alongside doing my FA courses. So it’s something that I’ll be doing in between helping the gaffer, and basically trying to put in place things for the future of this club.”
Manager Michael Morton, also expressed his delight in signing the experienced shot stopper:
“I think this is huge for the club moving forward, not just on the pitch, but off the pitch as well.”
“You just need to look at his career and stats to see what quality he will bring on the pitch; but for me, his character, leadership skills, and his love for the club are what will help us move in the right direction.”
Writer’s View
This is a good move for both club and player. York get someone with huge amounts of experience in the football league, and Stockdale gets an opportunity to progress through the ranks as he looks to a career after playing. York should be more competitive next season, and the addition of Stockdale and his recruitment will help them on their journey back to the football league.
