York City are delighted to welcome Ashley Palmer to the club, following his release from Chesterfield.
The defender links up with City as his eleventh senior club on July 1st.
His youth career began at Barnsley where he progressed through the ranks but was released in 2009 and signed for Scunthorpe United, becoming youth team captain.
It was at Glanford Park where he made his senior debut, and had loan spells at Southport and Harrogate.
Palmer’s next few years were spent in non-league at the likes of Hinckley United, Droylsden and Buxton, before putting pen to paper with then-FA Trophy holders North Ferriby United.
His year spent there was successful, helping the Villagers to promotion from the National League North, picking up the club’s Player of the Month on the way.
Remaining in the same league, the centre-back switched East Yorkshire for West Yorkshire, joining Guiseley.
Two years there were followed by arguably his most successful career period, at Stockport County.
The Hatters relied heavily on Palmer in their triumphant bids for promotion in both the sixth tier and in the National League.
With prior experience of escaping the National League North, he played the majority of games in his first season at Edgeley Park, regularly captaining the side that won the title.
In 2019/20, Palmer established himself in the Stockport backline, ending the campaign as their third top scorer.
Two years on, another league title was on the horizon, and after a thrilling race with Wrexham, it was the Greater Manchester side that pipped it in the end.
The 32-year-old made minimal appearances in the Hatters’ opening months back in the Football League, and soon moved back to the National League to assist Chesterfield in their title challenge.
A gutting play-off final defeat in 2023 broke Spireites hearts, but they went a few steps better the next year, tallying up 98 points to clinch automatic promotion.
Palmer remained with Chesterfield for their return to the Football League, playing 17 times in all competitions before departing at the end of the season.
He now joins the Minstermen, looking to replicate the feat he has achieved with Stockport and Chesterfield.
Welcome to York, Ash!
Subject to league and FA approval.
