Stockport County have confirmed the loan signing of an exciting prospect from Manchester City.
After being defeated by Bolton Wanderers in the play-off final last season, Stockport face a summer of rebuilding.
Manager Dave Challinor departed the club after that disappointment, with Jimmy McNulty taking over.
As McNulty looks to shape the team into his own, he has brought in Ollie Whatmuff, who was vital to Rochdale’s promotion last season.
Ollie Whatmuff Signs for Stockport County
Stockport announced the deal on their website, confirming the 18-year-old would be joining the club on loan from Premier League giants Man City.
Speaking to the club’s website, McNulty said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to bring Oliver to the club. Before working with him at my previous club, I believed he was an elite goalkeeper, and now after working with him for the season, that belief has only grown.
“He’s a super talent, with a blend of attributes both in and out of possession which will really help the team. But what stands out even more is his mindset. He’s a winner. His mentality is way beyond his years. That’s what excites me about him the most.
“I’m very grateful to Manchester City for trusting us with the next stage of Oliver’s career, and I’m really happy to have him join the County team.”
Impressive First Season in Senior Football
Whatmuff joined Rochdale on loan last summer with no experience of first-team football, but that didn’t show in his performances.
The young keeper played 40 National League games, keeping 18 clean sheets and received an average Sofascore rating of 7.11. His performances earned him a place in the National League Team of the Year.
In his league appearances, he conceded just 0.9 goals per game and averaged 2.1 saves per game, making 85 in total.
Although his side narrowly missed out on automatic promotion in a dramatic final day game against York City, Whatmuff played a crucial role in Rochdale’s play-off final win. The City academy product saved two penalties in the penalty shootout, helping them to a 3-1 win.
Will Whatmuff Be the Stockport County Number One?
Last season, Corey Addai and Ben Hinchcliffe split the goalkeeping spot, with Addai being the first choice for the second half of the season.
Hinchcliffe departed the club at the end of last season, leaving the starting spot open to both Whatmuff and Addai this season.
Given how the Man City youngster repaid McNulty’s trust at Rochdale, he will likely be between the sticks come the first game of the season for Stockport.
