County is delighted to announce the new intake of Academy Scholars for the 2024/25 season.
The new Scholars were welcomed to Edgeley Park over pre-season, with their official induction evening taking place in June.
Cian O’Shea (GK)
Cian joined County at U15 level from his local grassroots side, after previously representing England Schoolboys (ISFA).
Cian is a modern goalkeeper who combines strong shot-stopping qualities with composure and anticipation, with excellent ability to play out.
Jake Lewis (RB)
A local player who joined us right at the start of our Academy journey in 2022, Jake has progressed through the age groups to obtain a scholarship.
Jake is a really athletic & dynamic wing-back who loves to go forward.
Bruno Cina (CAM/ST)
Bruno moved to Stockport this summer after representing Colchester United at youth level. He is a 6ft 3in athletic striker who is effective in both boxes.
Bruno has had a fantastic start to life in Stockport, scoring 5 goals in 5 games, and has had the opportunity to train with the first team.
Michee Dialundama (CM)
Michee joins us after having spells with Norwich City & Derby County.
Originally born in Glasgow, Michee moved to Milton Keynes at a young age, before moving to Stockport. A real technician in the middle of midfield, who possesses real quality in possession.
Saul Gardner (CM)
A Stockport-based player who joins us from Blackburn Rovers, Saul initially joined Rovers academy programme aged 10.
After leaving Ewood Park, Saul signed for his hometown club in March 2024. Saul a central midfielder who has real quality in possession. He is also tenacious & intense in his out-of-possession responsibilities.
Marcus Kouam (ST)
A real character within the group, an athletic & physical striker who is an exciting watch both in & out of possession, Marcus loves to play on the shoulder and has a variation of finishes in front of goal.
Marcus, originally from Cameroon, moves to Stockport after turning down multiple other clubs, excited with the pathway the Club can provide him.
Nathaniel Mapengu (CB)
Nathaniel is a highly-talented centre-back who joined us from Manchester United.
Nathaniel is tall, aggressive and shows real qualities in & out of possession. Based in Mossside, Manchester, the centre-back turned down multiple offers to sign for County. Nathaniel has had a good, promising start to his County career, already training with the first team. A real prospect.
Stephen Maylett (CM)
A technician in the midfield, Stephen joined County in the summer, and possesses a number of key qualities. Comfortable with the ball at his feet, Stephen is a real prospect.
Chima Okoligan (CB)
Chima is an athletic centre-back who joined us from Blackburn Rovers mid-way through the 2023/24 season, and quickly impressed the coaching team. Chima was late into the Academy programme with lots of attributes to be admired.
Louie Rawlinson (CM, LB)
Louie is a versatile player who can play across the midfield, or at left-back. Louie is tenacious in his play, and likes to go from box-to-box.
John Williams-Lawless (CB)
John joined us from Everton in 2024 after spending all his youth career with the Toffees. County fought off numerous clubs to his signature, as John is a talented central defender who is excellent in possession, a quiet & well respected member of the group.
Lead Professional Development Phase Coach Jamie Crowther said:
It’s been great to welcome not only our new scholars starting at Stockport County but also the returning players from last season.
It’s been an excellent start to the 2024-2025 season with the move to Carrington, bringing us closer to the first-team, not only for players but for staff too. We have already seen the benefits this has with numerous players getting opportunities to train and play with the first-team over pre-season and even stronger relationships built between staff.
The new players have settled into life at Stockport County really well, they have quickly learnt what it takes and is needed to be a Stockport County player, both on and off the pitch, and we look forward to seeing how all the players develop both on and off the pitch in the upcoming season.
Head of Academy Recruitment Ryan Grocott said:
Congratulations to all of the players and their families on signing their scholarships with Stockport County Football Club. This is an exciting opportunity to join us on a full-time basis, one in which we are looking forward to seeing their development over the next few years.
