Port Vale have six young players gaining valuable senior experience on loan across England and Ireland, with several making strong early impressions. The club's youth development pathway is active as the first team sits 22nd in League Two on five points after six games.
Academy head Danny Lloyd highlighted the progress of several individuals. He first mentioned Joe Williams, who made his debut for Lower Breck and was named Player of the Match, a positive start to his senior career. Williams joined the Northern Premier League Division One West side and has started his first two games, with his next outing coming against Chester in the Emirates FA Cup.
Perhaps the highest-profile loanee is Jack Shorrock, the club's youngest-ever goalscorer, who is with Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Shorrock has started eight games across all competitions for the Irish side and was described as their main threat in a recent match report. Lloyd travelled to watch him play against Bohemians, noting he started and performed well in a great atmosphere. Shorrock's next match is against St Patrick's Athletic.
At Step 4 side Kidsgrove Athletic, two Valiants are getting regular football. Goalkeeper Keaton Moseley has started four consecutive matches and made an important save before half-time in a recent win, helping secure three points. He is joined by 18-year-old winger Clayton Malbon, who has also been a consistent presence in the first team. Malbon's next fixture is against Padiham.
In the National League North, 18-year-old forward Miracle Orisakwe moved to Southport on a one-month loan deal. He has made two substitute appearances, receiving positive reviews for his direct and attacking style of play. Meanwhile, defender Eddie Lake is on loan at Step 3 side Stourbridge, where he was in the matchday squad for a recent draw but is yet to make an appearance.
This loan activity provides a developmental backdrop as the senior Port Vale side prepares for its next League Two fixture, an away trip to Walsall. The first team's recent form reads WLLDD, with their last result a home win over Exeter City. Supporters can track the progress of the club's young talent alongside the senior team's fixtures and standings.
The original report is at port-vale.co.uk
