Stalybridge Celtic have pulled off a coup by signing full-back Javid Swaby-Neavin from Warrington Rylands.
Renowned for having one of football’s longest throw-ins, the former Oldham Athletic, Radcliffe and Halifax Town man drops to Step 4 after reaching the Northern Premier League (NPL) play-offs last season.
“I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to play for this club,” 23-year-old Swaby-Neavin told Celtic’s website. “The gaffer’s ambitions line-up with my own and I want us to have a great year and push on because this club shouldn’t be at this level.”
He’ll join up with former Hyde United teammate Liam Tongue in what is shaping up to be the strongest Stalybridge squad in years.
Celts boss James Kinsey sees Swaby-Neavin as an important part of the jigsaw:
“He offers more experience after having a good season with Rylands in the league above last season.
"He is defensively strong and has the ability to get forward, too. We saw on Tuesday what he brought from throw-ins. He’s a great player and we’re really happy he has decided to come to us."
Stalybridge’s season begins with an FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie at Ramsbottom United on August 3, with their league campaign starting the following Saturday.
The NPL reveals its fixture list at 6pm on Thursday July 18.
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