National League side Oldham Athletic have signed winger Ethan Walker on loan from Blackburn Rovers after being recalled from League Two side Morecambe, as confirmed via a statement on the club’s website.
Walker returned to Blackburn after limited game time at Morecambe, appearing just eight times in the league and only 102 minutes of game time. Parent club Blackburn spent no time finding him a new club, with Micky Mellon’s side taking him on loan.
The 21-year-old winger, who predominantly plays off the left-hand side, has played for a multitude of clubs throughout his career already. Starting in the Preston academy system, Walker spent time on loan at Altrincham and Stalybridge in Non-League, before making an EFL loan move to Carlisle. After making 17 appearances for the club and failing to find the net, he then found himself back in Non-League with AFC Fylde.
The following summer, Walker signed for Blackburn, where he featured prominently for the u21 side. His form earned him a move to League Two outfit Morecambe this summer, but with limited game time has decided to drop back down to the National League to get more minutes under his belt.
Walker will be joining an in-form Oldham side who have finally started firing under Micky Mellon. Having won five of their last seven games in the league, the former Premier League side find themselves in 9th place and one point off the playoff places.
It has been speculated on social media that Oldham have wanted a new forward since the injury to on-loan forward Josh Stones. The Wigan Athletic striker scored three goals and assisted another three in as many games before picking up a foot injury which will allegedly leave him on the sidelines for around 3 months. The recent departure of full-back Kieron Freeman has also left some space on the wage bill to improve the site elsewhere
Previous loan side Morecambe have found it tough in League Two this season, with the side currently sitting in 17th and without a win in their last four with the January window coming around they will be looking to improve their side if possible, with the departure of Walker freeing up space in the squad.
Upon confirmation of the transfer via the club’s website, manager Micky Mellon has stated…
“He’s been at Morecambe since the start of the season which has been another good experience for him, he’s well regarded at Blackburn and he’ll bring something extra in the wide areas.
“Again it’s an area we’ve wanted to add to and he has the sort of profile that we want to bring to the club.”
Writer’s view
I think the signing of Ethan Walker is a good one for the club. Oldham fans on social media have been screaming for a left-sided winger for some time now and to bring one in who has EFL experience is a really good addition.
It makes a strong squad even stronger and will certainly help Oldham reach their goal of finishing in the playoff positions.