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Padiham, Bacup BoroughBiography
Defender Josh Walne is now into his second season with the club.
Arriving at Marley from Bacup Borough in May 2022, Josh, despite being a right-back by trade, can play anywhere across the Chevvies defensive line.
Only missing one game throughout his first campaign in green and white, ‘Walney’ cemented himself as a key figure for Roy Mason both on and off the pitch.
And now one of the most experienced members of the squad, he will again have a pivotal role to play.
Building his reputation over the years throughout the North West Counties Football League, Josh first broke onto the scene with Padiham.
Proving his talent at a young age, Walne would earn international recognition within England’s Learning Disability (LD) team and represented the Three Lions at both Under-21 and senior level.
After nearly two years with Padiham, he made the move in January 2016 to Bacup Borough and remained in Rossendale for six months when Josh took the decision to return the Storks for a second spell.
Remaining with Padiham for just one season, the defender found himself again travelling the A646 to re-join Bacup for a second spell with Brent Peters’ side.
Back at the Brian Boys West View Stadium, Walne found himself transitioning between defence and midfield to provide Borough with an attacking threat that can also offer defensive capabilities.
In that time, he also successfully opened his own gym within the town of Burnley under the brand of Tenet Coaching.
Following the pandemic, Josh was an ever present for Bacup in the 2021/22 season but upon the expiration of his contract found himself seeking a new challenge.
And he would find that new challenge across the Pennines with Steeton, quickly fitting in with the ethos of the club and settling with ease in the green and white shirt.
Now a father following the birth of his son Roman Ashton Walne during the summer, the defender believes the family environment at the club is not just beneficial for his young family but can help to grow the club and form a play-off push this season.
Josh is kindly sponsored for the 2023/24 season by Football Shirt Matt.