"Stockport County is delighted to confirm that Ben Hinchliffe will remain at Edgeley Park this summer, after agreeing terms to become the club’s new Head of Goalkeeping.
It was announced last month that our legendary goalkeeper was set to depart Edgeley Park following ten years of exemplary service, but the desire from all parties was to find a way of continuing our special relationship together.
As a result, the 38-year-old has now made the decision to retire from playing in order to form part of Jimmy McNulty’s new backroom team.
Ben is a man who needs no introduction to County supporters, having joined the club from AFC Fylde in 2016 before going on to become the most decorated player in Stockport County history.
He made 427 appearances across his ten seasons at the club, spanning four divisions, placing him sixth in our all-time appearance list. No goalkeeper in the club’s history has played more games or kept more clean sheets than Ben.
He won an unrivalled three league titles during his time at Edgeley Park, playing a key role in our National League North title win in 2019, before delivering on his promise to return the club to the EFL in 2022 as National League champions.
He continued to excel during his time in the Football League and was an ever-present during our League Two title success in 2023/24 – our first piece of EFL silverware in 57 years. His performances that season saw him named as the Club’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year.
After two seasons in League One, during which Ben came agonisingly close to securing a fourth promotion with the club, it’s time for the goat to hang up his gloves and begin an exciting new chapter at Edgeley Park.
Stockport County is Ben's home, and we are delighted that our incredible journey together will continue.
Preparations are continuing for Ben's testimonial game, as we take on his first professional club Preston North End at Edgeley Park on Saturday 1st August. That celebratory fixture will also now mark Ben’s final professional appearance, providing the perfect ending to the playing career of a true modern-day Stockport County legend. Secure your tickets for a special day at Edgeley Park online here.
Sporting Director, Damien Allen said:
“Ben is a true County man. He has embodied the club’s values throughout his many years of service and will continue to contribute to the club in his new role as Head of Goalkeeping.
“Retaining his experience within the first-team environment is hugely important, ensuring his knowledge, leadership and understanding of the club remain within the senior setup. It also allows his special connection with the club and supporters to continue, which is something we are all delighted about.”
Head of Goalkeeping, Ben Hinchliffe said:
“I’m so proud and grateful to be given, and trusted with, this exciting new opportunity. It was a difficult decision to call time on my playing career, but I knew this day would always come.
“I’m incredibly excited about what my future looks like here at Edgeley Park, and I can’t wait to begin a new journey for me and my family at a football club that I absolutely love being a part of. The next chapter starts now, and I can’t wait to get started.”"Not-intelligent-enough, smart-arse pedant
on June 24, 2026, 17:03:07
