EXCLUSIVE: Cheltenham Town to Sign Barrow Goalkeeper Wyll Stanway

Cheltenham Town has agreed to acquire goalkeeper Wyll Stanway from Barrow for an undisclosed five-figure fee, according to sources close to the club.

The 6-foot-4, 25-year-old goalkeeper spent the last two seasons with his hometown side, Barrow, making 65 appearances after transferring from National League North outfit Chester.

Stanway’s football journey began as a centre-back in Barrow’s youth teams from Under-12 to Under-16 before transitioning to goalkeeper during his late teens. He also played for Furness Rovers, Holker Old Boys, and Lancaster City before joining Chester. In March 2024, he represented England C in a match against Wales, highlighting his growing reputation.

Beyond football, Stanway is a skilled cricketer, representing Cumbria as an all-rounder. He has even spent two separate seasons playing cricket in Australia, showcasing his versatility as an athlete.

Wyll is the younger brother of Georgia Stanway, an influential England midfielder who has starred for the Lionesses, contributing to their European Championship victories in 2022 and 2025 and their 2023 World Cup final appearance. Georgia recently moved to Arsenal after high-profile spells at Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

With one year remaining on his contract at newly relegated National League Barrow, Stanway joins Cheltenham’s goalkeeper roster alongside player-coach Joe Day and talented academy graduate Mamadou Diallo. Day, 35, has been ever-present between the sticks for Cheltenham, starting all 81 League Two matches since his arrival two years ago. Meanwhile, promising 18-year-old Diallo is expected to gain experience through a loan spell this season.

Stanway is anticipated to feature in Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Evesham United, kicking off at 3 pm.

His signing marks Cheltenham Town’s sixth summer addition following Charlie McCann (also from Barrow), Jordan Shipley, Pierce Sweeney, Joe Tomlinson, and Shaun McWilliams.

Cheltenham Town’s Pre-Season Fixtures: