Workington, Sat 19th Sep, 3:00PM (H)
We can confirm the signing of defender Courtney Meppen-Walter from Nantwich Town for an undisclosed fee.
The 30-year-old began his football journey in the Manchester City Academy. Capable of playing as a central defender or defensive midfielder, he featured prominently for the club’s Under-21 side and earned recognition at international level, representing England at Under-17 and Under-18, where he served as captain.
In 2013, he signed for Carlisle United, making 42 appearances across League One and League Two during his time at Brunton Park.
After leaving Carlisle in 2016, Meppen-Walter joined Ashton United before moving to Chorley, where he played 38 games. His career then took him to Stockport County, where he featured in 27 matches, followed by a season at Glossop North End, scoring 12 goals in 50 appearances.
He rejoined Chorley in 2018, adding 76 appearances and six goals to his tally over two seasons, before transferring to AFC Telford United in 2020. His spell there was brief, with just seven games, before he joined Radcliffe and later Guiseley.
December of last year saw him head to Nantwich Town, joining initially on loan before making it permanent. He made 18 appearances in his first season, with an additional 14 coming this campaign. He’s also netted twice this season. Courtney will be available for selection for Friday’s game at Chadderton.
Upon signing for the club, Courtney said: I’m buzzing to be a Bury player. It’s my home town club and I’m ready to hit the ground running and show my qualities.
“The manager has brought me in to do a job and that’s what I will do.
We have got two massive games coming up which are the type of games you want to be playing in.”
There is no escaping from the realities of Courtney’s history and the club are fully aware of this. We recognise the impact this signing has on the values of our community club, but also recognise the continued rehabilitation path that Courtney is on and there are avenues for both club and player to work towards in assisting with this.
In meeting with Courtney during his signing process, the board have stressed the importance of club staff being able to appropriately represent the club, both on and off the pitch. Courtney has stressed his willingness to work with the club on intitatives that help promote people making good choices which positively enhance future decisions.
We will be working with Courtney in the coming days and weeks to develop the ideas behind these initiatives, and will provide an update to supporters on this when defined.
Manager, Dave McNabb added: “Mepps is a top quality centre-half who will bring a physicality, organisation and calmness to the back line.
“He is outstanding in possession and will help us build the game as well as solidifying us defensively.”
