We are delighted to announce the signing of Elliot Owen from Stocksbridge Park Steels for an undisclosed fee.
Defender Elliot Owen has joined up with his former manager Ian Richards as he moves from Stocksbridge Park Steels to Guiseley, writes Rachel O’Connor.
The 21 year-old Harrogate-born player has signed an 18 month contract with The Lions and will be in the squad at Hebburn Town tomorrow afternoon.
Owen signed for The Steels in the Summer of 2024-25 and was quickly installed at the heart of their defence.
He made a staggering 55 appearances for Stocksbridge in his first season with the club and picked up several Stocksbridge Player-of-the-Season awards.
He was also named in the NPL East Team of the Season for 2024-25 along with current Guiseley forward Amir Berchil and former Guiseley Academy goalkeeper Declan Lambton.
After proving himself that season Owen has been key as Steels returned to the Northern Premier League Premier Division this season.
Guiseley manager Ian Richards said of Owen:”I am excited to be working with Elliot again. He was a huge factor in the success we achieved at Stocksbridge.
“He is a leader, a winner and someone who holds the highest standards for himself before he asks it of others.
He added: “As a player he is strong, aggressive, dominant in the air and scores vital goals from set pieces. He is still young therefore he will continue to develop as a player at Guiseley.
“I am confident that he will bring further quality and competition to the squad.”
The player himself is looking forward to joining up with Richards and his coaching team at Guiseley.
Owen said: “It will be great to work with Ian and his team again. I know them and how they work. We have a great relationship and had great success together. That is something I want to be bringing to Guiseley.”
Owen was brought up in Harrogate and played as a junior with Pannal Sports before becoming a scholar in the York City Academy.
He signed a professional contract with York in July 2022 but was released in 2023 and joined Pontefract Collieries.
The 6ft 3ins tall central defender showed such form that he soon got a move to Stocksbridge where he again impressed.
Of his move to Guiseley he said: “It is a massive club with ambitions like my own. I think we will be a perfect fit. It is also close to home and I also have family in Bradford so I am expecting good support.
He added: “The club is looking to move forwards and upwards and I am excited to be going to represent the club. I am looking forward to enjoying my football there and to making a start. I just want to get cracking now and be helping to get the team up the league.”
Elliot’s home kit has been sponsored by Paul Di Mambro and we thank him for his support.
Elliot’s away and training kits are still available to sponsor, please email james.pickles@guiseleyafc.co.uk for more information.
Image courtesy of Mike Bayly
