Louis Stephenson, a Hartlepool United defender, has joined Blyth Spartans on a short-term loan.
Louis Stephenson, a defender for Hartlepool United, has signed a short-term loan agreement with Blyth Spartans of the Northern Premier League.
The 18-year-old has made 26 Pools appearances and was a key component of his team’s significant defensive improvement towards the conclusion of the previous season.
Stephenson appeared six times in the first few weeks of the new season, but looked to slip down the pecking order after a torrid first half in last month’s goalless draw with Braintree, which saw him hooked at halftime.
The teenager missed the next three first-team squads but started in the Durham Challenge Cup defeat to Chester-le-Street last week.
The eager and energetic full-back is well regarded at the Prestige Group Stadium, but his opportunities may be further limited if Dan Dodds returns to health.
The homegrown defender’s drive has earned him a fan favourite in the North East, and the transfer to Croft Park will allow him to acquire more first-team experience while still training with Pools throughout the week.
Blyth has had a tumultuous couple of years, having been relegated from the National League North last season and currently sitting second from bottom in the Northern Premier League after winning only one of their first eight games.
Manager Nolberto Solano, who spent a brief period with Pools at the conclusion of his career but is most remembered for his decade at Newcastle, lost his job last month as a result of their sluggish start.
“Louis has done very well when playing for our first team but with the return of Dan Dodds in the right-back position, it would be selfish of us to prevent Louis playing regular first team football,” added the coach.
“Playing matches is critical for his development, and moving to Blyth on a short-term basis will allow him to play consistently at a competitive level and keep him fresh for when he returns to the first team squad later this season.
“As with our other academy-grown loan players, Louis will continue to train with the first team on a daily basis.”
Former York, Darlington, and Brighton goalkeeper David Stockdale followed Solano and has helped to calm the ship, leading Spartans to their first league win, a 1-0 triumph over Workington last week.
Stephenson’s new team, which has been under new ownership since April, travels to mid-table Stockton this evening.
Pools’ head of football, Joe Monks, praised the loan transfer as a significant milestone in Stephenson’s development.
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