Evo Stik Division One South
Chris Hilton with new signing Luke Mangham and Stocksbridge physio Shaun Handisides who is nursing the attacker back to full fitness
Chris Hilton has unveiled long-term target Luke Mangham as his second summer capture at Stocksbridge Park Steels.
Stocksbridge – who have sold star midfielder Harrison Biggins to League One side Fleetwood Town – have already announced the signing of Maltby Main striker Ryan Carroll.
Mangham arrives at Bracken Moor two years after signings forms for the club before deciding to head back to Garforth Town midway through pre-season.
The attacker has since become an exciting young Evo Stik player through stints at Goole AFC and Frickley Athletic and Hilton is delighted to get him back.
“He’s been a player we have been interested in for a while,” Hilton told Non League Yorkshire.
“We were sad to see him decide not to join last time so we have been tracking him ever since.
“We’ve managed to pick him up, even though several clubs, including some from leagues above, after him.
“But he wanted to come here and show us what he can do. He’s a great addition to the squad.
“He’s here to stay this time. We do joke about it and he has some stick off the lads, but he’s fitted in well.”
Stocksbridge assistant manager Ryan Laight addresses the players at Tuesday night’s training session
Luke Mangham during his one-to-one training session
New Stocksbridge signing Luke Mangham is working closely with physio Shaun Handisides
Mangham will not feature in Stocksbridge’s showpiece pre-season friendly opener with the Sheffield United first team on Saturday.
He is still recovering from injury and is currently being looked after by Steels physio Shaun Handisides at training.
“At the end of last season Luke picked up a knee ligament injury and he only got signed off a couple of weeks ago by the hospital,” Hilton added.
“At the moment he is doing a lot of one-to-one fitness with Shaun. He’s coming on leaps and bounds so when Shaun thinks he’s ready to join in with the other lads, he will do.
“We’ll not do that until Shaun gives the green light. We’re hoping to see him in action in the next couple of weeks, but we won’t rush him back.
“We want to make sure he’s 100%. We have a long season ahead of us so we have to get it right.”