Stockport County sign ex-Bolton Wanderers player and ‘important cog’ on a free transfer

Danny Jones Danny Jones Ex Bolton defender joins Stockport County January signings

Stockport County FC have signed former Bolton Wanderers player, Josh Dacres-Cogley, on a free transfer, in another key signing this January window.

Following the ex-Bolton defender’s contract expiration, Josh Dacres-Cogley has signed for Stockport County on an 18-month deal.

The 29-year-old is just the second signing of the month following the arrival of Josh Stokes last week, who has already scored an impressive brace for the Hatters in a crucial cup tie.

Dubbing him an ‘important Cog’ (pun very much intended) in the promotion push, he joins the Hatters at a crucial time in the season.

Born in Coventry and having come through the Birmingham City youth academy system, he was loaned to Crawley Town from 2019-20, before joining Tranmere Rovers on a permanent transfer in 2021.

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The wing-back became a Wanderer a year later, spending nearly three campaigns at the Toughsheet Stadium, serving largely as a first-team regular.

Known for bombing down the flanks, he went on to make 126 appearances for the fellow Greater Manchester club.

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Registering seven assists last season and a further four this term, despite playing a reduced 18 times amid a change of manager.

Now set to embark on his next chapter at Edgeley Park, he will wear the number two shirt – a fitting choice for a fullback, especially on the right.

Commenting on his newest recruit, who should bolster not only the defensive line but also add attacking width, County manager Dave Challinor said in an official club statement: “We are delighted to welcome Josh to the club.

“He’s been a player that’s been on our radar for some time, but I think it’s fair to say that we didn’t think he’d be available – so to add him to our group is great.

“He has brilliant experience at the level, at a club with expectation, and he’s the perfect profile for what we want as a right-back or wing-back. I know he’s excited about the challenge ahead of him, and we’re really looking forward to working with him and being successful together.”

What do you make of your latest County signing, Stockport fans?

You can see Josh Dacres-Cogley’s first interview as a Stockport County player in full down below.

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Featured Images — Stockport County Football Club

The Tour de France is coming to Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones Tour de France coming to Manchester in 2027

It’s official: both the male and female Tour de France are coming to Greater Manchester and nine other destinations across the UK in 2027.

As one of the biggest locations on the list, it’s another big sporting landmark for us Mancs.

Confirmed on Thursday, 15 January, the men’s race and the Tour de France Femmes (TdFF) will be passing through our region next summer.

Revealing the news in an exciting announcement video on social media, you can see the other cities and towns that the world-famous endurance event will be hitting here:

Exciting times, right?

With Greater Manchester boasting not only the National Cycling Centre, but having already hosted the Tour of Britain – which has passed through Altrincham on multiple ocassions – we’re well-versed when it comes to the sport.

It’s been more than a decade since the Tour de France last took place in the UK, with London and Yorkshire hosting three stages of the biggest date on the annual cycling calendar back in 2014.

Fast forward a dozen years, and not only will they both be participating again, but Great Britain will see dual Grand Départs for men and women for the very first time.

Not only are we buzzing that the racing will be returning to our friends in Leeds and Sheffield, but also nice to see other Northern regions lending their roads and stunning landscapes, such as the Lake District and wider parts of Cumbria.

You can see the full route map broken down below.

Speaking in an official press release, race director Christian Prudhomme said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain.”

“Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”

TdFF counterpart, Marion Rousse, added: “The UK has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Deignan.

“Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”

‘Allez Tour de France!’

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Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied)

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