VERSATILE left-sided player Joe Stacey has made his mark in two prestigious pre-season friendlies with Guiseley, so much so that he has signed a contract with the club.

After playing for Rotherham United’s Academy from the age of eight to 15 Stacey matured both as a player and a person with a four-and-a-half-year spell on a university scholarship in Virginia, USA. He studied and played football under a programme at Bluefield College.

The Rotherham-born 26-year-old left his home-town club at 15 and moved into men’s football with Sheffield FC, a club where he also played Under-18s and Under-21s football.

At the age of 18 he moved to America to take up his scholarship at the end of which he played for Dalton Red Wolves in the US League Two.

Stacey feels that he has plenty of advice to offer following his own spell in the States, a time he describes as forcing him to mature mentally and physically.

He said: “I had to live by myself away from my family and do everything for myself. I think it was the making of me, it was the best four to five years of my life. It made me grow up and become more independent. The football was not as physical as over here so I was constantly being pulled up for my challenges.

“It was the best years I could have done between the ages of 18 and 22. It developed my character, toughened me up and made me thick skinned – all characteristics you need if you are going to play at Guiseley’s level.”

On his return to England Stacey re-joined Sheffield FC before moving on to Alfreton Town, Frickley Athletic, Ossett United and last season Grantham.

He now finds himself at Nethermoor with The Lions where he has been impressed with the standard of play.

Stacey said: “I have loved pre-season training and the five games I have been involved in – three official and two behind closed doors. The lads are class and I feel that I have been here a full season already such has been the welcome.”

He added: “I am very impressed with the standard of the squad; we have been flying. I think we are all looking for promotion and I am excited about taking this step up from last season. The standard is much higher, and I am hoping to cement a place in the side and contribute as much as I can.”

Stacey feels that pre-season has thrown up plenty of tests and challenges, especially the games against Spennymoor and Scarborough. He feels that he can contribute goals to the team and be an attacking threat down the left side.