Huddersfield Town forward makes loan move to California with Sacramento Republic FC
- Kieran Phillips joins Sacramento Republic on loan
- Huddersfield Town forward moves to USL Championship
- Comments from Chairman Kevin Nagle and Sporting Director Mark Cartwright
Huddersfield Town forward Kieran Phillips has today joined USL Championship side Sacramento Republic on loan for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign.
Also under the stewardship of Chairman Kevin Nagle, this is the first deal between the two teams, with Phillips swapping West Yorkshire for the west coast and Heart Health Park.
24-year-old Phillips began the season on loan with Shrewsbury Town, but injury resulted in the forward rejoining Town in January to rehabilitate. Having previously spent time with Walsall, Exeter City and Morecambe within the EFL, he has also represented Town at a senior level, making 11 appearances in all competitions in the 2020/21 season.
Currently five games into their new campaign, the Republic are undefeated in second place with three wins and two draws, with goal difference keeping them from top spot in the Western Conference. Coached by Mark Briggs, the side compete across several fronts with USL Championship, USL Play-Offs and US Open Cup all honours they’ve challenged for previously.
Speaking via the official Sacramento Republic website, Chairman Kevin Nagle commented:
“This is an exciting day and a first step as we grow the relationship between these two great Clubs.
“Kieran is a talented young player that we think will be a good fit for Republic FC as the club pursues silver in USL Championship, and this loan is a great example of how we will continue to develop synergies both on and off the pitch.”
Huddersfield Town Sporting Director Mark Cartwright added:
“While there are obvious off field appeals to this move, the sporting reasoning behind it remains the most important and we’re excited to see Kieran return to playing regular competitive first team football. Going to a side we trust, and who have their own high ambitions, all concerned have shared an appetite to see this deal completed since the initial discussions.
“Having been unable to move during the transfer window as he rehabilitated, Kieran has proven his ability to score in both Sky Bet League One and Two, with the USL Championship providing him a fresh challenge as both a person and professional. The prospect has captured his imagination, and we’re looking forward to how well he takes this on.”
Good luck in Sactown, Kieran!
