Crewe Alexandra are set to complete the signing of Huddersfield Town midfielder Josh Austerfield on loan for the remainder of the season, as confirmed by journalist Alan Nixon.

The 22-year-old has had plenty of recent loan experience in the fourth tier and looks set to replace former loanee Joe White who was recently recalled by Premier League side Newcastle United.

Who is Josh Austerfield?

The talented midfielder is a product of the Huddersfield Town Academy as well as experienced loan success with several sides including Morecambe and Harrogate Town in recent seasons.

Last season, Austerfield finished the campaign on loan with Morecambe, making 14 appearances as Derek Adams’ side were relegated down to League Two.

A difficult job ahead

Austerfield has plenty of EFL experience in recent loan spells but faces a difficult task in attempting to replicate the form shown by Newcastle’s Joe White during the first half of the 2023/24 season.

The playmaker contributed to six goals during his time at Crewe before being recalled earlier in the window. However, he also averaged 1.4 key passes per game and averaged a passing success rate of 74%.

The battle for promotion

Despite League Two containing several big clubs such as Wrexham, Notts County and Bradford City (to name a few), Crewe Alexandra have more than held their own so far this season.

The club are currently fifth in League Two, three points shy of the automatic promotion places and six ahead of Gillingham who currently occupy eighth place.

Writer’s View

Crewe Alexandra have been in search of a Joe White replacement and Austerfield has the capabilities to replace the Newcastle youngster.

Meanwhile, with the club currently competing for promotion back to League One, the door is certainly open for Austerfield to show what he’s capable of and become a hero for the League Two side.