GUISELEY have announced the signing of Courtney Meppen-Walters following his loan spell with the club last season.

To the delight of Lions’ fans the centre-back has put pen to paper on a new contract with the Nethermoor side after he became a huge fan favourite after joining the club on loan from Radcliffe.

The loan was initially for a month but after featuring in all five games in that time his temporary switch was extended to the end of the season.

Meppen-Walters, who became captain of the side, made such an impact that he was signed to join Jameel Ible in the Lions’ defence for the coming season.

Those Guiseley fans were a key part in him signing a new contract with the club. He said: “They make you feel like a part of a family the support they give you. I have been messaged almost daily by some of them asking me to sign. The fans were amazing with me and gave us a boost when things weren’t going our way. They are definitely part of the reason why I decided to sign again for the club.”

He added: “I love having a chat with them after games and I love celebrating with them when I score. The gaffer Phillo (Paul Phillips) told me off for the way I celebrated after scoring from the penalty spot but after I had high-fived one it just continued as everyone had their hands out.

“Some players see Phillo as being a bit harsh with them but he and Kayde just want to breed leaders and winners. You need to be up for the challenge and if you don’t understand that than perhaps you shouldn’t be playing. They only shout at you because they want you to do well.

“I am happy that they have shown confidence in me by offering me another contract and I am happy to sign it as I have confidence in them to bring us success. I have really enjoyed my football with them and I feel that we can go on and do something next season,” he added.

Born in Oldham and raised in Bury Meppen-Walters, 28, came up through the Academy at Manchester City where his contemporaries included Raheem Sterling and Micah Richards ‘looked out for him’. He also remembers the first team squad including ‘a very nice’ James Milner who he described as ‘the ultimate professional’.

Whilst at Manchester City Meppen-Walters, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, played for the Under-21s. He also represented England at Under- 17 and Under-18 levels, captaining the latter.

In 2013 he joined Carlisle United and played for them in Divisions One and Two making 42 appearances.

On leaving Brunton Park in 2016 he signed for Ashton United and then Chorley, where he made 38 appearances.

Meppen-Walters then moved on to Stockport County, where he notched up 27 appearances, and the following season played 50 games for Glossop North End in which time he netted 12 goals.

He returned to Chorley in 2018 playing 76 games and scoring six goals for them before joining AFC Telford United in 2020.

His stay lasted just seven games before he moved back north to sign for Radcliffe and then Guiseley.