As 2025 begins, we check in with how our Academy players out on loan are getting on, along with a round up from Player Pathway Lead, Chris Brass.
Dale Taylor’s fine form for Wigan has seen the forward named as the Club’s Player of the Month. It’s been a mixed month for the Latics, with the Club winning two, drawing one, and losing three of their games during December. Having scored a crucial goal at Bolton, Taylor scored a brace as Wigan drew 2-2 with Shrewsbury.
The first came from a well-worked corner routine, a floated cross to the back post was volleyed back across the goal and flicked in by Taylor from close range.
The second came as Matt Smith intercepted a pass in the Shrewsbury half, finding Taylor just inside the box with a reverse pass. The striker’s first touch set himself up for a powerful right footed finish into the bottom left corner.
Jamie McDonnell and Aaron Donnelly started every game in December as Colchester lost just once in a busy month. It was five clean sheets from seven games for the U’s, with the Northern Irish duo continuing to play a key role in the Essex side’s solidity and good form.
The Club can confirm that Esapa Osong and Manni Norkett have returned following loan spells at Rotherham United and Cheltenham Town, respectively.
The decisions taken on where the players go are carefully considered, with the Club’s loans team led by Chris Brass using newly developed data models on coaches, leagues, Clubs, and player pathways. Norkett and Osong have both played a part in their team’s season, but injury has prevented them from accumulating enough minutes to develop away from the Club.
The Club will now take the time to assess what next for both players, looking to ensure they are playing regularly for the rest of the season.
Chris Brass, Player Pathway Lead, said: “Overall, we are really happy with how our players are getting on whilst out on loan. It’s not easy for a young player to be trusted to play by coaches in the football league, and we’re really proud that Jamie, Aaron and Dale have made their mark and are accumulating minutes as integral members of their squads. We are in constant contact with all our loanees and it’s clear that they are enjoying their football and growing as players and as young men.”
“Esapa and Manni have also learned a lot from their time away and have had invaluable experiences within a men’s team environment that will only serve to benefit them moving forward.”
“Due to injury, they have both been limited in terms of minutes, and the decision has been taken to reassess their options for the remainder of the season.”
“With it being the first loan for either player away from the Club, we are delighted that they have had that feeling of competing at senior level. They have both scored and had positive contributions in games, and being around a first-team environment has been good for their confidence and continued development.”
“We would like to thank both Rotherham and Cheltenham, who have been great with the players. With the transfer window open again, we will now take the time to make sure the next step is the right one for the pair of them.”