Former Liverpool trainee Steve Torpey was today unveiled as AFC Telford United’s first summer signing.

The 27-year-old wideman has joined from Telford’s Blue Square North rivals Stalybridge Celtic, penning a one-year-contract at the New Bucks Head.

Torpey came through the National School of Excellence at Lilleshall, graduating in the same group as Chelsea and England ace Joe Cole.

He spent three years on the youth books at Anfield before joining Port Vale then moving into the non-League game with Prescot Cables, Altrincham and FC United of Manchester.

But it is at Stalybridge where he has established a reputation as a feared wide midfielder and forward, and Telford assistant manager Larry Chambers is thrilled to have got him on board.

“He met with myself and Lee (Carter, the club chairman) over the weekend and we’re delighted he’s signed,” said Chambers.

“He’s a player myself and Rob (Smith, manager) have admired for a few years now, but Stalybridge are a side that have always been up there and he had a good relationship with their manager Steve Burr.

“It’s no secret that they have had a few financial problems and whether that’s helped us get him, I don’t know.

“Once we knew he was interested we followed it up straight away. It’s taken two or three weeks to finalise because he’s loyal to Steve Burr and, out of courtesy, he wanted to speak to him first.”

Chambers believes Wigan-based Torpey will give the side more balance, and also gives the management duo more options.

“He’s got great feet, he’s got good quality and, for a wide player, he chips in with his fair share of goals,” the Telford No 2 added.

“He’s a tricky customer and the one thing we didn’t have was a wide player that can consistently get decent crosses in. He will give us that.

“He’s a great acquisition and a player that will excite the fans. He’s looking forward to the challenge.”

By CHRIS HUDSON