Stockport County have bolstered their goalkeeping ranks by signing Luca Ashby-Hammond on a one-year contract after he impressed during a trial period with the League One side.
Return to familiar ground
The 25-year-old keeper arrives at Edgeley Park following his release from Plymouth Argyle in May. Ashby-Hammond made a total of 24 appearances for Argyle during the 2025/26 season — comprising 23 starts and one appearance from the bench — before leaving the club.
This move marks a return to Stockport for Ashby-Hammond, who spent time on loan from Fulham at the club towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign. At that time he served as the deputy to Ben Hinchliffe, who now holds the role of County’s head of goalkeeping.
Trial, pre-season and expectations
His trial included a behind-closed-doors match against Tranmere Rovers and a week training with the squad during pre-season, after which the club opted to offer him a full-time deal. County will be the visitors to Home Park when Plymouth open their 2026/27 League One season on Saturday 15 August.
"Very happy to be here. I remember playing in front of the fans last season for Plymouth, and the atmosphere was always fantastic, so I'm very much looking forward to being on the home side this year. I'm looking forward to helping the team achieve its goal."
"Luca is someone I know well, having kept in touch with him since we enjoyed that National League title-winning season together. He is a great talent, excellent in possession, and someone who I know will really strengthen our goalkeeping department."
Hinchliffe praised Ashby-Hammond's attributes and work ethic, telling the club he had settled well into the group and demonstrated the qualities required to contribute this season.
- Contract length: one year
- Age: 25
- Previous club: Plymouth Argyle (released May 2026)
- Stockport connection: loan spell in 2021/22
| Season | Appearances | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | 24 (23 starts, 1 sub) | First-team goalkeeper at Plymouth |
| 2021/22 | Loan spell (Stockport) | Backup to Ben Hinchliffe |
Stockport supporters will recognise Ashby-Hammond’s name from that successful 2021/22 campaign when County clinched the National League title. His arrival means County replace one of the keepers who left Plymouth this summer, with others from Argyle including Conor Hazard and Zak Baker moving on to Wycombe Wanderers and Torquay United respectively.
With the new League One season imminent, Ashby-Hammond's signing adds competition and experience to Stockport’s goalkeeping department. The club will hope the keeper’s familiarity with the dressing room and his reported comfort on the ball will help the side as they target a strong campaign at this level.
Supporters wanting to see Ashby-Hammond in action will be able to watch when Stockport visit Home Park on 15 August for their season opener against Plymouth Argyle.
