Development Squad striker joins Mossley
Another member of Town’s Development Squad has moved out on loan.
Teenage striker Connor Loftus has today joined Evo-Stik League Premier Division One North leaders Mossley AFC on loan until 19 January inclusive.
The Greater Manchester based club, managed by Steve Halford, leads its division after accumulating 45 points from 20 games.
Loftus – signed in the summer by Town after progressing through Bury’s youth system – has scored three goals in just one start and five substitute appearances in the Under-21 Professional Development League so far this season.
He is expected to go into the Lilywhites’ squad when it hosts Ossett Town at Seel Park, Mossley, on Saturday.
Town’s Senior Professional Development Coach Steve Eyre commented:
“Connor is moving to a team at the opposite end of the table to Max (Leonard); Mossley are top of the table, although they have played a few games more than their rivals. Connor will be going into a winning team; one that scores more goals and probably creates more chances.
“As much as there is a fitness element to the move, there will be a confidence boost for Connor. Hopefully he can play very well at that level.”
Eyre is pleased that five of Town’s Development Squad – Loftus, Leonard, Jordan Sinnott, Matt Crooks and James Burke – will now get regular football whilst the Under-21 Professional Development League takes its winter break.
“Our Under-21 players are already different players to the ones we inherited at the start of the season. They have done five months of extensive training and have contested the Professional Development League very well. Their physiques have changed and their maturity levels have increased, but at this crucial stage between 18 and 19 years old there is generally quite a surge in terms of development and we’re trying to move that on in our favour.”
