Over the course of the past month, numerous Latics youngsters have been enjoying senior football on their loan spells away from Boundary Park and here’s a round-up of their progression so far.
Will Sutton has now extended his stay at Farsley Celtic in the Vanarama National League North for a second month and, so far, has accumulated four appearances which includes a well-earned clean sheet in a local affair with Guiseley.
Whilst at the Celt Army, the 19-year-old has consistently demonstrated what is a breakthrough season for him in senior football which has been noticed by the coaching staff and his fellow teammates at the Citadel.
Luke Southerington spent a month work experience loan at New Mills and notched up two appearances. Interestingly, the shot-stopper occupied the role between the sticks for the Millers in the Irish Sea as they faced the Isle of Man FC in the North West Counties Football League over the festive period.
The youngster has now return to Latics first team training as part of the goalkeeping department after a much-needed experience away.
Unlucky about the result but another good experience out in the Isle of Man✅ @NewMillsFC pic.twitter.com/TzKS7Zl7ok
— Luke Southerington (@LSoutherington) January 3, 2022
Vani Da Silva switched his alliances from FC United of Manchester to Ashton United in a bid to allow himself to showcase his natural ability on a more consistent basis in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, however, he’s still striving to break into the team at Hurst Cross depsite recent postponements.
A skilful wideman, Da Silva is still part of first team training as well and is looking to feature in the non-league scene after previous loans at Ashton rivals Curzon a couple of seasons ago.
Isaac Modi and Oliver Kilner have been tasting life in the sixth-tier with Curzon Ashton in order to enhance their physicality.
Although game time has been limited for the duo, they’ve represented the club at some point and continue to battle for a regular place in the starting XI as the Nash aim for a play-off spot.
Whilst Joe Edwards and Jake Forshaw both joined Winsford United over Christmas, and they’re currently experiencing a senior environment for the first-time which will stand them in good stead as they continue their academy and educational studies.
Overall, Edwards, a technically gifted playmaker, has featured on three occasions with Forshaw appearing twice as he assuredly led the line for the Cheshire-based outfit in tough fixtures. One standout game and also their debut being a sellout derby at newly reformed Macclesfield FC.
With the EFL Youth Alliance league now resuming for the U18s it is expected the scholars out on loan will be recalled, with the time spent away over Christmas and New Year planned as part of their development due to a break in the fixture list.