Loan Round-Up | Young loanees kick-start 2025/26

Six of our scholars have started their 2025/26 campaigns out on loan.

Here's how they're getting on as of the end of August.

Jack Loughran - Shifnal Town

Jack has played all seven games as a right winger in August, starting six.

He's already opened his goalscoring account for the year - netting the only goal in a 1-0 win over Newcastle Town - and has two assists to his name.

His manager is very impressed, picking out his hard work out of possession and the number of penalty box entries Jack is consistently racking up every game.

The versatile youngster has been described as a constant threat who is a workman when his side are without the ball. Furthermore, he's been utilised as the team's main outlet when possession turns over, which is a reflection on how well he's started his season.

So far, the only note Jack has been given is to work on his final product.

Reuben Falding - Newcastle Town

Reuben has had a positive start to life at Newcastle Town, featuring in all six games this month, starting five.

He made his debut in front of 3,500 fans away at Bury and has already been put on set pieces due to the quality of his delivery.

The right-sided defender has had to adapt to playing as part of both a full-back and a wing-back, showing confidence in both roles and contributing to one clean sheet.

Their head coach has been very impressed with his involvement so far, praising his aerial ability, attacking intent and consistency.

Karsten Cairns - Darlaston Town

Karsten featured in all six of Darlaston's games in August, starting four of them and contributing to one clean sheet.

His attitude and application have been key to his success, and after one particular performance against Stafford, his manager said: "Karsten was unbelievable tonight. I don't normally give perfect praise, but he really didn't put a foot out of place."

The men's game has been educational to Karsten, who has been dealing with big, physically aggressive strikers in his role at left centre-back.

And despite any struggles he may have initially had, he always found his feet and held his own against difficult opposition.

Jay Snook - Kidsgrove Athletic

Jay has started all seven games for Kidsgrove Athletic so far, netting and assisting already.

The striker opened his account in a 3-2 win over Chasetown with a well-taken finish. He also provided an assist in that game and was said to be reaping the rewards from taking on feedback, which is a credit to his attitude.

As every loan is, this one has been an education for Jay, who himself has been very analytical of his efforts in the first month and is working to improve at every turn.

His manager has praised his hard work and the rapid improvements he is making with his understanding of the game.

Joe Morris - Stourbridge

After his debut - in which he played an hour as the side drew away at Quorn - where he played on the right of a back three, Joe came out of the starting 11.

He featured in one other game, contributing to a clean sheet.

The manager described Joe as 'unlucky' to not get more minutes, as his replacement has come in and 'done really well.' 

While the staff all like Joe as a player and believe he's got more to offer, minutes will come for our young defender.

Shayne Byrne - Romulus

The young midfielder has made three appearances so far this season, including playing the full game against Lye Town in mid-August.

He debuted in a tough match, coming on as a sub when Romulus were already 5-0 down, although he carried out his role well.

Shayne has been vocal and looked particularly impressive out of possession. A slight hamstring injury meant he didn't feature in their games against Dudley Town or Winsford United.