MICHAEL MORTON was ‘delighted’ to acquire the services of former Premier League goalkeeper David Stockdale for the 2023/24 Vanarama National League season, with Stockdale joining in a dual role.

Stockdale will be working as a player alongside his Head of Recruitment role, seeing the 37-year-old join Morton’s backroom staff.

The experienced shot-stopper has become Morton’s first Summer signing, after making his competitive debut for York 20 years ago.

Since leaving North Yorkshire, Stockdale has gone on to win the golden glove accolade in the Sky Bet Championship, Sky Bet League One and Sky Bet League Two, as well as become an established Premier League goalkeeper.

Morton was pleased to snap up Stockdale, who departed Sheffield Wednesday after helping guide the Owls to promotion to the Championship through the play-offs.

“We are delighted to get someone with David’s qualities over the line.” Morton enthused.

“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.

“David will also be working with the management team to restructure the recruitment department at the club.”

Stockdale was also delighted to be returning to his boyhood club, who he previously helped collect money for to help keep the club running.

Speaking to the club website, Stockdale said: “I’m going to text Fozzy [Ben Foster, Wrexham goalkeeper] after this and say if it’s good enough for him, then I’ll be alright then!

“I’ve been watching the broadcast with BT Sports and it’s brilliant, it’s really coming through. When I played here last time it was just one of them where I was going in a different direction, and now to keep this club going.

“I’m going to aim high, it might not always go like that but I always aim high.

“I’m basically trying to put things in place for the future of this club.

“After I’ve gone and a few of the fans have gone, I want this club to be going in the right direction and to have a clue with the recruitment and it to not happen where were spending loads of money and not have to walk around with buckets again!

“It’s having a clear view for the football club and they helped me, so I want to help.”

Stockdale also opened up on the conversations and relationship he holds with Morton, and how the York manager was extremely excited to have him return to the club.

“Not long, I met him about a year ago. We’ve kept in touch and he’s a great guy and we’ve got mutual friends, when it came about he was so excited.

“When he asked me about it and I was open to the talks, he was saying ‘I can’t believe it, I can’t believe we can do it!’

“It’s not about the money anymore, it’s about the nice feeling of coming back to help out with the club that gave me a chance.”