DEFENDER Jordan Cranston has completed a permanent move to Redditch United for the 2024/25 season.
Cranston impressed on loan from Hereford during the second half of the 2023/24 campaign and became an integral player as the Reds achieved a play-off spot.
The 30-year-old played every available minute following his loan move in January as he made 20 appearances in all competitions.
Redditch manager, Tim Flowers, said: “It was clear there was a real focus to keep the group from last year, and having come in on loan from Hereford in January, Jordan had a huge impact in the latter half of the campaign.
“He was one of the first names on the list with his experience of playing at such a high level, EFL, National League and National League North.
“With his experience comes the leadership, not to note his ability and versatility to boot, he’ll be incredibly important in the dressing room for all of the lads. Luckily for us, he was happy to stay and come back to play for us.
“I’m delighted to have him on board, he’s a man with a lot of experience and ability.”
Cranston added: “Personally for myself, I’m happy to be staying at Redditch. I enjoyed my time here last season, the lads, the fans and the club welcomed me in from the start.
“I had a rough time at Hereford being in and out of the team but when the opportunity came up to go to Redditch I needed to play games. I ended up playing every minute and helped the club get to a play-off semi-final.
“For me to have the chance to come back and play for another season at the club is great, I’m happy and can’t wait to get started and have another good season.
“Having come here on loan I wanted to bring my experience and leadership to a young squad but it’s also a changing room with lads who have also had promotions and played numerous times at the level.
“It would be an honour to captain the club or even be vice-captain. Like I said I want to be a player that players can learn from and give advice on, both on and off the pitch, but it’s down to the management staff on who they choose to lead the team forward and if that’s me or anyone else I’ll support the club moving forward and hopefully help lead the club on to what we missed out on last season.”
Cranston brings plenty of experience to the Valley Stadium having made 119 appearances in the Football League and 120 in the National League.
He won the National League with Cheltenham Town in 2015/16 and the National League North title with AFC Fylde in 2022/23.
And he also helped Solihull Moors reach the National League play-off final in 2021/22.
