Championship leaders Coventry City have confirmed U21s midfielder Isaac Moore has been recalled from his loan spell at National League title-challengers Forest Green Rovers.
Robbie Savage’s side have been active in the transfer market in recent weeks, bringing through several loanees as well as two permanent additions – making an already stacked squad, even busier.
Their defeat against Scunthorpe United on Saturday, saw Forest Green extend their winless run to three league games whilst also slipping down to sixth in the standings, seven points behind leaders York City having played a game more.
With a change in form and more players through the door, there is always a risk that loan players can be sent back/recalled and Forest Green have been dealt the blow on this occasion.
Moore recalled by Coventry City
The 19-year-old had been a regular feature for Forest Green this season, having signed from Coventry in the summer on a season-long loan deal.
Across all competitions, Moore made 27 appearances for Savage’s side, proving six goal contributions (three goals and three assists) – including a strike against Ebbsfleet United in the FA Trophy earlier this month.
However, a statement via Forest Green’s official website confirmed that Moore had been recalled with immediate effect by the Championship’s league leaders.
No update has been given as to the true reasoning behind this decision. Coventry suffered a defeat to Norwich City on Monday which saw them fail to reestablish their six-point gap at the top, whilst midfielder Jack Rudoni missed the game through injury.
Moore signed a new three-year contract with Coventry during pre-season, suggesting he could be in Frank Lampard’s plans despite being out on loan.
Stay and fight or could an EFL loan be pending?
As stated, the true intention behind the recall has yet to be confirmed, but given Moore is only six months into a three-year deal – suggests a permanent exit is unlikely due to the increased fee.
Therefore, one of two options could be on the cards for Moore for the second half of the season.
His stint at Forest Green was his first senior loan spell, and that was met with regular minutes and goal contributions from midfield – leaving a positive impression on the club’s supporters.
On that evidence alone, there is a possibility that Moore could be set to test himself in League Two for the remainder of the campaign – as that would be the natural next step of his development.
Alternatively, with Rudoni’s injury and Jamie Allen dealing with a close family passing, there could be a pathway for Moore to try and break into the first-team setup, whilst continuing his regular development with the clubs U21s.