STRIKER Cole Stockton has agreed a two-year deal with Burton Albion as Dino Maamria makes his first signing of the summer.
Stockton has been a prolific scorer for Morecambe over the last three seasons but is out of contract at the end of June following the Shrimpers relegation to League Two and will join the Brewers from July 1.
Stockton enjoyed two loan spells at Morecambe before making the move permanent in 2019.
He scored 26 goals in all competitions for the Shrimps in 2021/22 earning him two Sky Bet League One Player of the Month awards and a place in the PFA League One Team of the Year. Two of his goals that season came against the Brewers.
Stockton has previously played for Tranmere, Carlisle and Hearts.
Maamria is delighted to have secured the services of a proven goal scorer at League One level as he builds his squad for the 2023/24 season.
He said: “Cole Stockton is a fantastic forward who has developed over the years. I worked with him in 2015 at Southport and he’s proved himself to be a top Football League forward since then. His record in League One over the last two seasons is very good so we are delighted to have him.
“He’s a typical goal scorer. He makes things happen in the final third. If you give the ball to him, he will create and score goals without a shadow of a doubt. He will fit in well with the team we are looking to build.”
Stockton, who is 29 years old, said: “I have been speaking to the manager on and off on the phone and just wanted to get it sorted as I'm excited by the challenge.
"I know about Burton, what kind of club they are and what the fans expect. I know what the club means to the local people and the fans that follow you home and away.
"I want to get going now; get through pre-season fit and strong and be prepared for the first game of the season."