In a new regular monthly feature, we take a look at all of our Emerging Talent and academy players currently out on loan from Edgeley Park, with an update on how each of them are getting on so far…
Emerging Talents:
Josh Popoola:
Josh made his debut for County’s first-team just a few weeks ago, starting our EFL Trophy group stage clash with Manchester United U21s at Edgeley Park, and has since gone on to join National League North outfit Spennymoor Town on a one-month loan deal.
He made his debut for The Moors against Chester at the weekend, before putting in an impressive performance on Tuesday night in a 3-3 draw away at Warrington Town. The north-east side currently sit just three points off top spot in the sixth tier, eight games into the campaign.
Ellis Farrar:
Academy defender, Ellis Farrar made the loan move to Irish side Finn Harps in February, shortly after signing his first pro-contract at Edgeley Park. The 19-year-old remained over there during the summer as the Irish season continued, with Ellis making 16 league appearances for The Harps, who have also sealed a place in the quarter-final of the FAI Cup.
Ellis’ loan spell with the club came to an end last week, with the youngster returning to Edgeley Park after sustaining a hamstring injury.
Ackeme Francis-Burrell:
Midfielder, Ackeme joined County over the close-season from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and has since headed out on loan to Lancaster City in the Northern Premier League for his first experience of men’s football.
The 18-year-old has played his part in a promising start to the season for Lancaster, who currently sit 4th in the early league table. Ackeme has made six appearances for the side already this season, also helping them progress to the second qualifying round of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win over Witton Albion last Saturday.
Nic Bollado:
Striker Nic Bollado, signed from Carlisle United in the summer, has had a fine start to his loan spell at FC United of Manchester in the Northern Premier League. The 18-year-old, in his first real taste of first-team football, has scored three times in his first six appearances for the club, including winners in a league game against Ilkeston Town and last Saturday’s FA Cup qualifier against Barnoldswick Town.
Keane Barugh:
Like Nic, Keane is also currently on loan at FC United of Manchester, and has put in some eye-catching performances in his five appearances so far. He scored a stunning goal against Stafford Rangers on his first appearance of the season, a strike that has been nominated for the division’s Goal of the Season award, and has since helped them to wins over Ilkeston Town and Macclesfield.
Sam Bird:
Defender, Sam Bird is currently on loan at Northern Premier League side, Stafford Rangers, with the 20-year-old making a strong start to life at the club. Sam has played every minute for the club so far this season at right-back, with his consistent performances helping them to wins over Basford United and FC United of Manchester. At the weekend, he also helped the side book their place in the second qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup, following a 2-0 win over Atherstone Town.
Head of Emerging Talent, Joe Monks said:
“We are very pleased with the progress of all the young lads. We value men’s minutes as a key part of the Emerging Talent players development; seeing all the boys getting regular game time and helping their loan teams to successful results in competitive games is a key part of their growth as players.
“We have some upcoming B-team fixtures which they will be involved in this month alongside their loans programme, and we look forward to seeing them play in our environment.”
