ACADEMY LOAN WATCH (2023, 9)

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Round-up of busy festive period for loanees

2023-01-03T08:00:00.000Z

ACADEMY LOAN WATCH (2023, 9)

Round-up of busy festive period for loanees

2023-01-03T08:00:00.000Z

Round-up of busy festive period for loanees

Six players from the Clarets academy are currently out on loan across the Football League & non-league pyramid.

Since the last instalment of academy loan watch, the festive period has brought an abundance of matches for our loanees.

Here’s how they all got on over the week between last Monday (Boxing Day) and yesterday (2nd January).

Bobby Thomas (Bristol Rovers)

Centre back Thomas, who has been with Burnley since 2017, is on a season-long loan with Rovers, where he played every minute in their three games over the course of six days.

Playing at right back for Joey Barton’s side on Boxing Day at Wycombe Wanderers, the defender suffered a 2-1 defeat having seen the Gas go ahead four minutes in.

And on the 29th December, as Thomas moved back to the middle of the backline, Rovers also lost 4-3 at home to Exeter City in a dramatic Sky Bet League One encounter.

Trailing 2-0 at half time, Barton’s men fought back to lead 3-2 before conceding twice late on, the winner in the 92nd minute, to end up on the wrong side of the result.

But there was some late festive cheer for Thomas and his loan Club on New Year’s Day when they kicked off 2023 with a 2-1 win against Cheltenham Town at the Memorial Stadium.

This week’s game(s): SAT – Cambridge United (A)

Finn Armstrong (FC United of Manchester)

Not involved in a pre-Christmas friendly run-out against Bolton Wanderers’ B-team, Armstrong returned to action for FC on Boxing Day when they beat Ashton United 4-0 on home soil at Broadhurst Park.

That was the Reds’ first competitive game since 3rd December due to the inclement weather throughout the month.

The full back, who has been a Claret since he was 12, saw his youth loan expire on 31st December, but on New Year’s Day extended his stay with Neil Reynolds’ side until 31st January.

He then played the full game yesterday as FC rounded off their festive fixture list with a narrow 1-0 defeat at Radcliffe.

This week’s game(s): SAT – Whitby Town (H)

Lewis Richardson (Grimsby Town)

Striker Richardson is on a season-long loan with the Mariners.

The frontman, who has been with Burnley from the age of nine, didn’t play any part in their three Sky Bet League Two games over the festive period.

Town lost 3-2 at Harrogate Town on Boxing Day before Salford City ran out 4-1 winners at Blundell Park on 29th December. On New Year’s Day though, Paul Hurst’s side beat Stockport County 1-0 at home to start 2023 on the front foot.

This week’s game(s): SAT – Burton Albion (H – Emirates FA Cup)

Lukas Jensen (Accrington Stanley)

Danish goalkeeper Jensen is also out on loan for the season with Stanley in Sky Bet League One, and was an unused substitute in all three of their festive games.

The shot stopper – who has been in the Clarets academy since 2019 – first watched on from the bench in a 1-1 draw at home against Barnsley on Boxing Day, and did the same in a 2-0 defeat at Morecambe on 29th December.

Yesterday, Stanley were then defeated 4-0 by promotion-chasing Derby County at Pride Park.

This week’s game(s): SAT – Boreham Wood (A – Emirates FA Cup)

Sam Waller (Lancaster City)

In the Northern Premier League’s Premier Division, fellow ‘keeper Waller – who has been at Burnley since he was 12 – featured in both of Lancaster’s festive fixtures, and both ended 1-1.

The first was at home against Bamber Bridge on Boxing Day, with the other yesterday away against Atherton Collieries. The Dolly Blues had to come from behind in both of those matches.

Waller’s youth loan is set to expire today (3rd January), with discussions ongoing between the two Clubs as to whether it will be extended further. Any extension will be communicated by the Club at the soonest possible opportunity.

Should it be extended, Waller will then be back in contention for the visit of Stalybridge Celtic to the Giant Axe this weekend.

This week’s game(s): SAT – Stalybridge Celtic (H)

Will Hugill (Leek Town)

A tier below, versatile midfielder Hugill’s youth loan with Leek runs until 8th January.

The lifelong Clarets fan, who has been at the Club since 2020, played 88 minutes on Boxing Day as Town ran out 2-1 winners at Newcastle Town in somewhat of a Staffordshire local derby.

He then started yesterday’s 2-1 win at home to 1874 Northwich, but had to be withdrawn 12 minutes in following a knock.

Sat 2nd in the Northern Premier League’s West Division, Neil Baker’s side are five points off leaders Macclesfield FC. They though have a game in hand, and make the trip to face the Silkmen this weekend.

This week’s game(s): SAT – Macclesfield FC (A)