Left-back Ben Jackson has joined his hometown team on a season-long loan deal from Huddersfield Town FC.
A pacy left-footer, Ben can play wide in either defence or midfield. He made 32 appearances for the U19s last season, and made his first-team debut for the senior side last week during a pre-season tour of Austria.
Having joined the Town Academy at Under-15 level, Ben has risen through the ranks and made the breakthrough into Town’s Under-18 side as a schoolboy, scoring once in seven starts and three substitute appearances in 2016/17.
Last September he joined Town’s week-long Under-19 tour of Portugal, facing top-quality European opposition. The Young Terriers drew with Portuguese top-flight side SC Braga U19s before winning 1-0 against La Liga’s RC Celta de Vigo, with Ben scoring the only goal of the game.
Last March Ben, who was born in Stockport, joined Darlington on loan, making seven appearances in the National League North and scoring once, during a 2-0 win at Boston. Included in those appearances was a start v the Hatters at Edgeley Park
Manager Jim Gannon said: “Ben came to our attention in his performance for Darlington at Edgeley Park last season and we have tracked his progress since. Our interest was accelerated with the departure of Scott Duxbury and the need to recruit an athletic, attack-minded left-back.
“His experience of playing in the National League North has helped with his maturity and a position in a National League team will only benefit his development. Tommy Wright, who managed him at Darlington, gave Ben glowing references as a person, professional and player, which built our confidence in adding him to our squad for the coming season.”
Welcome to Edgeley Park, Ben!
