Luke Mangham signs for Belper Town

Luke Mangham has left Stocksbridge Park Steels and has signed for Belper Town.

The striker signed for the Steels back in 2017 from Frickley Athletic having been a long term target for former manager Chris Hilton. He would follow in the tradition of Stocksbridge’s great strikers and become a key player over his five years at the Eco Power Stadium. He has been the leading scorer for Stocksbridge in the last three seasons and won the three Player of the Season awards this year.

Mangham’s time at Stocksbridge has now come to an end though with him signing for Belper this summer. The Derbyshire club were promoted through the play-offs last season and Mangham will join familiar faces such as Brodie Litchfield and Benjamin Rhodes at the Raygar Stadium.

Stocksbridge manager Ian Richards said: “We cannot thank Luke enough for his leadership, attitude, commitment and quality during this season.”

“He is an example and role model to other in how to conduct yourself as a player and when leaving to challenge yourself at a higher level.”

“We wish him every success at Belper Town and he knows he is welcome back at the club anytime.”

Further to this news, Ian Richards had a message to send to the fans of Stocksbridge.

“Currently, we are working hard behind the scene planning, retaining and recruiting for next season.”

“We will be announcing our pre-season programme shortly and have some excellent games to look forward to.”

“Although we are quiet in terms of players, from experience it is always better to announce retain lists and new signings once the ink is dry on the form and the league have processed it.”

“Steels fans please know that we are making sure that we have a club to be proud of and one that will be competitive on the pitch next season.”