Young forward Sam Fishburn has today joined Northern Premier League Premier Division side Lancaster City on a youth loan until January.
Fishburn, who turns 18 in November, capped off an excellent first year of his scholarship when he penned a two-year professional contract (with an option) in June this year.
He finished the 2021 campaign as the highest scoring player in the youth leagues, with over 20 strikes to his name in all competitions.
Training regularly with the first team, he was on the bench for both of the opening league games of the current season.
Manager Chris Beech said: “Sam’s a talented young player of ours that I believe will benefit from game time through going out on loan to Lancaster.
“I think he’s moved beyond youth football and is in the process of making that transition to the men’s game.
“Lancaster have a good set up and play at a decent level and, in fact, Jack Armer had a spell with them when he was at Preston.
“I’d watched him play for them myself and it did him the world of good in terms of his development as he played meaningful games in a demanding environment.”
“Sam will continue to train with us during the week,” he confirmed. “And for this phase of his career it will allow us to concentrate on developing his speed work as well as his technical and tactical capabilities.
“Myself and the staff will keep a close eye on his progression. This is a good indicator as to where he’s at today and I look forward to seeing him adapt to his new environment, and begin scoring goals.”