League One Wrexham have made a decision over the immediate future of striker Jake Bickerstaff, allowing him to remain on loan at National League side Altrincham for the rest of the 24/25 season.
The 23-year-old linked up with the non-league side in the summer with his current loan spell due to expire on the 14th January 2025. He has struggled to make a serious impact to date often appearing as a late substitute. Bickerstaff has scored just one goal in 12 appearances so far, with his only contribution coming in the 2-1 defeat to Aldershot.
However, the Welsh side are clearly happy with his progression and are set to approve his stay, according to Pete O’Rourke.
Wrexham’s Big Opportunity
Wrexham have the opportunity to complete a feat few sides have accomplished in securing a third promotion in a row. The club has gone from the National League to the verge of Championship football in a shot spell of time under their Hollywood owners.
The club are currently occupying third place behind leaders Birmingham City and surprise package Wycombe Wanderers. The latter could be faced with a difficult second half of the season if reports emerging today prove to be correct. Manager Matt Bloomfield leaving would seriously dent their promotion hopes.
That being said the likes of Huddersfield Town and Barnsley are hot on their heels with a serious upturn in form. Despite having a gap between them, with fixtures coming thick and fast it is not impossible to see the gap close.
Bickerstaff’s Season to Prove Himself
Bickerstaff is at a pivotal age in his development. At 23 years old he is rapidly approaching his peak years and the decisions made now will impact where he ends up playing for the rest of his career.
If he is able to prove himself at this level in the second half of the season he could stand himself in good stead for a summer move to an EFL club as he enters the final year of his Wrexham deal next year. Or if he struggles he could find himself in a position where finding a club could prove to be a difficult task.
It may well be a make-or-break period in the young forward’s career.