20/06/2026
Paul Gregory Welcomes Josh Winder
Thornton Cleveleys FC have announced the signing of attacker Josh Winder.
The 24-year-old, who can play on either wing as well as through the middle, spent two seasons with Kendal Town prior to his departure last week. Before that, he plied his trade at AFC Blackpool, where he got a taste of NWCFL football, and Northwich Victoria.
The attacker featured regularly for Kendal Town in the Ebac Northern League Division One last season, helping the Mintcakes earn a seventh-place finish – four points shy of the playoffs.
Following his arrival, an optimistic Winder shared how happy he felt ahead of the new season.
“It feels good. It is a new challenge and I’m looking forward to it.
“I have been [at Kendal Town] for two years and it was good. We were laterally moved into North East Counties which was tough, but I am looking forward to coming back to the North West Counties.
“All I want to do is come to the club, score as many goals as I can and see where I go from there.
“The club is growing. We have got a lot of lads down here tonight [at pre-season training]. Got Under-18s, Reserves, First Team – everyone is pushing for places, so the club is growing and going in the right direction.”
Manager Paul Gregory was delighted to see his new signing join pre-season training at Rossall School after keeping tabs on him for a long time.
“Training was very good tonight; I was very impressed. It was good to see a bit of everything from all the lads. With Josh down tonight as our new signing, I’m absolutely buzzing to get him on board,” Gregory added. “A lot of Bondy’s hard work for nearly 12 months that we have been after him, but we finally got it over the line, so it shows our intent. We are well happy with that.
“This is why we have been pestering him. We knew his pedigree and everything else, we followed him all season. We have just been waiting for a moment where it has come good. He has been very honourable with Kendal, and he has put in a shift for a couple of years, so it is a credit to the lad. I know he is a well sought-after player, and we have done well to get hold of him.
With the new season on the horizon, Gregory discussed the club’s preseason friendlies coming up: “We are looking forward to some good pre-season games. Like I said, preseason training has started well, the recruitment has gone well, and the club is doing well. It just goes to show that we are going from strength to strength on and off the field. There are 14 coaches within the senior section of the management team which is great, and we want everything to succeed and progress and keep the club moving forward.”
Winder is TCFC’s third summer signing, as he follows former AFC Blackpool midfield duo Kieran Shaw and Joe Robinson through the front door at Gamble Road.
By Sam Lawson
