The 2024/25 season has got well underway throughout English football and has seen four U’s gain crucial experience out on loan across steps two and three.
Up north, goalkeeper Jack Rose has made 12 appearances for Hednesford Town since joining on a season-long loan deal. He featured in every game for the Pitmen during September, including a 2-2 draw to Rugby Town as well as defeats to Mossley and Chasetown. He also appeared in the FA Cup, helping Hednesford progress to the Fourth Qualifying Round, and will host National League side Gateshead on Saturday, 12th October which will be broadcast live on BBC Sport.
Matt Kerbey has spent the opening months of the season with Kent-based outfit Dartford. Having joined on an initial one-month loan deal, Kerbey extended his stay with the Darts and will remain at Prince Park until November. With Jacob Marsden returning from injury, Kerbey has been reduced to just one appearance in September – a 5-1 loss to Dover Athletic – and was an unused substitute in Dartford’s other three games during September.
Across the Severn Bridge, Jay Williams returned to his native Wales with a switch to Merthyr Town on a deal until January 2025. Jay made three starts during September and has helped the Martyrs reach the top of the Southern League South, starting in wins against Winchester City and Wimborne Town as well as featuring as a substitute in a further three games, including wins against Sholing and Swindon Supermarine.
Former U’s goalkeeper Alan Julian recruited the services of academy defender Jack Taylor on loan until December. Jack has started every game for the Beavers in September and helped them pick up a good run of form, with clean sheets in victories over Weymouth and Enfield Town. Hampton would also pick up draws against Boreham Wood and Tonbridge Angels, with their single defeat during the month at the hands of Maidstone United. The Beavers currently sit 11th in the National League South with 13 points.
