Max Leonard moves out for experience
Another member of Town’s Development Squad has moved out on loan today in order to gain further match experience during the U21 Professional Development League’s winter break.
With no Under-21 games scheduled until the New Year, 18 year-old striker Max Leonard has joined Evo-Stik League Northern Premier League First Division side Garforth Town until January 19 inclusive.
Leonard, a product of the Huddersfield Town Academy, has netted one goal in five starts and two substitute appearances for Steve Eyre’s side and now joins Development Squad teammates Jordan Sinnott (Altrincham), Matt Crooks and James Burke (both at Radcliffe Borough) out on loan.
As with his loaned-out teammates, Max will continue to train with Huddersfield Town on a full-time basis and will train with his new loan club once a week.
Town’s Senior Professional Development Coach Steve Eyre commented:
“Max has had a few injuries this season, but he’s back up to fitness now and we’re looking to increase that via a loan spell over Christmas given the fact that we’ve come off our Under-21 games programme.
“There is a benefit for the young lads to go into a different, competitive environment. The style of football might be different, but at the same time we want to enhance their fitness so they are ready to kick-start the Under-21 development programme from 14 January onwards.
“We train very well and very hard, but obviously players feed off confidence as well and games can do that. Max, along with the other lads, is willing to take this challenge on in order to enhance his career and work towards a really good second half of the season.
“Garforth Town has a lot to play for; they will be really battling. I’m looking for Max to become a part of that and add to the talent that has already been honed at this Club. If we can add that to his game, I think we’ll be looking at a better professional.”
Managed by Vernol Blair, Garforth Town currently sits bottom of its division with six points from their opening 21 games having won just one game all season. Max is expected to go into The Miners’ squad for its home League game against Cammell Laird on Saturday.
Leonard will come up against teammates Crooks and Burke when Garforth Town travel to play Radcliffe Borough in a League game on 29 December.
