York City FC are delighted to announce the return of goalkeeper David Stockdale who will join the club upon the expiry of his contract with Sheffield Wednesday from July 2023.
The 37-year-old started his senior career with the Minstermen 20 years ago after coming through the club’s academy and making his debut as a 17-year-old against Oxford United.
Since then, the Yorkshireman has carved out an incredible career at the top levels of English football, winning the golden glove in the Championship, League One, and League Two.
Last season, Stockdale made 24 League One appearances and kept 11 clean sheets as Sheffield Wednesday secured promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.
This was the fifth promotion-winning campaign that the goalkeeper has contributed to in the EFL, having also ascended from League One with Wycombe Wanderers and Leicester City, and from the Championship with Brighton & Hove Albion and Hull City.
Having represented England C while a youngster at York, Stockdale was part of the England senior set-up under Fabio Capello after impressing during a run of games in the Premier League with Fulham. With the Cottagers, he also received a UEFA Europa League Runners-up medal in 2009/10.
On returning to City, Stockdale said: “It was one of the things I wanted to do, to come back here.
“I didn’t express that to anybody but my family, but 20 years after I made my debut, to come back and try and help while I can, I’m really pleased.”
Speaking on his impressions of the new stadium, Stockdale reflects on his time as a young pro bucket collecting at Bootham Crescent: “What a place this is to have York City and York RLFC.
“I remember them talking about it years back when I was carrying buckets around Bootham Crescent trying to save the club.
“Those feelings lay deep when you’re stood outside a club trying to save its existence.”
The experienced professional will hold a dual role as Head of Recruitment and will prove a useful advisor to first-team manager Michael Morton with his extensive contacts and knowledge of the game.
On his dual role, the shot stopper added: “I could have stayed just playing in the EFL, but I also wanted to go into that side of it.
“I’ve been getting experience of it alongside doing my FA courses. So it’s something that I’ll be doing in between helping the gaffer, and basically trying to put in place things for the future of this club.”
Michael Morton shared his delight in completing his first signing of the summer, saying: “We are delighted to get someone with David’s qualities over the line.
“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.
“Welcome home.”
The deal is subject to FA and National League approval.