Forest Green Rovers are closing in on a young loan signing who manager Robbie Savage believes could make a similar impact to Harry Whitwell, as the club prepares to lose four key players to international duty.
Savage said Rovers had been pursuing the player since January and hoped to complete the deal early next week. The manager revealed the move during the club’s weekly press conference, explaining that the new arrival would help cover the period when the international players are away.
Rovers targeting another young loan player
Savage told Stroud Times that the signing was not simply a short-term response to the international break. He said the player had been a long-standing target and described the potential arrival as another important move for the club.
“I think we might be having another young loan player in the start of next week to help us through the period when the internationals go away.”
He added that the player could have an impact similar to Whitwell, who impressed during his loan spell at the New Lawn before returning to parent club West Bromwich Albion.
“But not just that, this is the player we chased in January. So again, that’s going to be another great one for the club. It could be very similar to a Harry Whitwell.”
Savage credited his relationship with sporting director Mark Bowen and their links with top clubs for helping Forest Green bring promising young players to the club.
Harry Whitwell making mark at West Brom
Whitwell, 21, has made a strong start to the season with West Bromwich Albion. The former Forest Green loanee has played an important role in the club’s opening campaign, helping the Baggies climb to second in the Championship before West Ham moved above them after a 6-0 win over Wrexham on Friday night.
Savage said Whitwell had remained in contact after leaving Forest Green. The manager also pointed to other young players who have developed through the club’s loan system, including Isaac Moore, Jili Buyabu and Chibby Nwoko, who has made his Fulham debut.
“You look at what we do with loan players. Look at Harry Whitwell, look at Isaac Moore, look at Jili Buyabu, look at Chibby (Nwoko) he’s made his debut for Fulham. So again, we utilise the loan market better than most. People trust us.”
Four international absences leave squad short
The expected loan arrival comes as Forest Green face a shortage of options caused by four international call-ups. Savage acknowledged that the departures would leave the squad light, but said the club would not rush into unsuitable deals.
He said the club’s recruitment was focused on helping Rovers in the longer term as well as addressing the immediate gap, with signings intended to become assets for Forest Green.
“Because we’ll need them with four players going away, key players, that does leave our squad light,”
Savage added that the club’s approach was demonstrated by Mendy, although the supplied report does not identify the player by a first name or provide further details about his role.
