Stockport County have signed former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley on a deal until the end of the season, with his entire salary donated to the club's community trust.
The 37-year-old, who was released by Burnley last summer following their relegation from the Premier League, made 18 appearances for United before joining Sunderland in 2008. The full-back has played 405 career games, including 303 in the top flight.
Bardsley becomes the first player in the County's history to agree to donate his entire salary to the County Community Trust. He has been training with the League Two side in recent months as he continues to recover from injury.
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The Hatters, who won promotion last season after winning the National League title, currently sit 13th in the League Two table having won eight of their opening 20 matches. Bardsley has been with the squad while working on his rehabilitation, and he has spoken glowingly about his time at the club so far.
"I've had the honour of training with the club," he said. "During this time I've been welcomed in as part of the team and made to feel at home.
"County is a club with a clear mission and with real opportunity ahead of it, both within the league and within the local community."
Manager Dave Challinor insisted that the former United defender would be a 'huge asset' to the side as the club looks to climb up the football pyramid.
"Phil has had an incredibly successful career at the very top of the football pyramid," Challinor added.
"His skill, experience and tenacity will be a huge asset to the club as we continue our campaign, and we look forward to welcoming him into the side."
Stockport welcome Gillingham to Edgeley Park on Saturday afternoon, hoping to build on their last league victory over Hartlepool United.
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