Stockport County has secured goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond on a one-year contract, the club announced on July 31, 2026.
The 25-year-old joins after being released by Plymouth Argyle at the end of the 2025-26 season.
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Ashby-Hammond made 24 appearances for Plymouth during his single season there, having joined from Fulham in July 2025.
He previously spent time on loan at Stockport during their 2021-22 National League title-winning campaign.
During that loan spell, he made just one competitive appearance, in an FA Trophy quarter-final victory, and also took part in the Cheshire Senior Cup success.
He has gained extensive experience from loan spells at clubs including Harrow Borough, Aldershot Town, Crawley Town, Notts County, and Gillingham.
Hinchliffe Praises Signing
Ben Hinchliffe, Stockport's Head of Goalkeeping and a former teammate of Ashby-Hammond, praised the signing.
"Luca is someone I know well, having kept in touch with him since we enjoyed that National League title-winning season together," Hinchliffe said.
He added, "He is a great talent, excellent in possession, and someone who I know will really strengthen our goalkeeping department."
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Hinchliffe also emphasized Ashby-Hammond's experience and work ethic, noting that he settled into the squad quickly during pre-season, including a closed-doors friendly against Tranmere Rovers.
"He brings experience to our group and, importantly, a great work ethic too.
Luca spent a week with us during pre-season and settled into the group really well, showing to everyone just how good he is, so to be able to bring him in permanently is great for the football club," Hinchliffe added.
Ashby-Hammond expressed enthusiasm about returning to Stockport.
"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," he said.
"I'm looking forward to helping the team achieve its goal."
Stockport County now has Ashby-Hammond alongside goalkeepers Ollie Whatmuff and Andrew Wogan for the upcoming season.
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Plymouth Argyle will face Stockport on August 15, 2026, to open their League One campaign, with Ashby-Hammond now part of the opposing side.
