GUISELEY have signed Stockport County defender Dan Cowan, who can play either at centre-back or right-back.

The 24-year-old Chesterfield-born star said he was lured to Nethermoor by joint manager Russ O’Neill’s presentation of his plan for the player and the specific role he had for him.

Cowan, released by Stockport, said: “Russ impressed me as he gave me confidence when he outlined the role I would play for Guiseley and (told me) the clear plans he has for the team going forward.

“A few players who are close to me, such as Ash Palmer and Andy Halls, also told me what a good club Guiseley is. It seems a good club to be at.

“I played in defence alongside Ash and he was good to play alongside. I like to play on the right side of a back three, a role I believe I can excel in.”

When Cowan eventually steps out at Nethermoor in a Guiseley shirt, it will not be his first experience of the ground, as he played for Stockport against the Lions in a pre-season friendly last summer.

Due to Covid-19, it is unknown when Cowan will make his Guiseley debut, but he is raring to go. He said: “Guiseley seems to be a positive environment and I have kept myself fit during lockdown so I can’t wait to get started.”

Cowan started his career playing for Buxton Juniors and New Mills, before joining the Macclesfield Town youth set up. He broke into the first team by the end of the 2013/14 season, resulting in Macclesfield offering him his first professional deal that summer.

He gained vital experience out on loan at Ashton United and Chorley and went on to make 50 appearances for the Silkmen.

At the end of the 2016/17 season, he left Macclesfield in search of a new challenge and signed for Stockport County.

In his first season with Stockport, Cowan featured in the majority of games in the Vanarama National League North, proving to be an assured presence in the defence. In the curtailed 2019/20 season, he made 31 appearances.