Opinion: Wes Harding Is Away For A Month

Wes Harding is a familiar name to most Blues’ fans as he made a cameo in the first team last pre-season and very much impressed. At that time, we have an ageing Robbo as cover for Spector and Morrison so I was hoping that a combination of his good performances and superb attitude as well as lack of first team options, would land him a spot in the squad.

Much like Jack Storer in the last few weeks, Harding definietly stood out as one of the shining stars and didn’t look out of place alongside our first choice team. However, unlike Jack, for some reason Harding found himself back in the U21 league. Now, I am not a great fan of the development league. I feel that it doesn’t help the youngsters bridge the gap between youth football and league football and therefore it actually is just a place to keep players at the club rather than progressing them.

So due to this, I often like loan spells. Especially if the loan is to a football league side because it is a step up from their current league in terms of intensity but it also shows them the set up and dedication required both in training and on match days in order to succeed. It kind of gives the young lads that kick in the right direction to work harder than ever.

However, this in my humble opinion only works if the loan is for an extended period time and if the player in question is around the 18 year old age mark. If not, then the player doesn’t get the experience they need. Harding is 19 years old so it would be the perfect time to go out on loan to a side like MK Dons or someone of that level to experience playing at a high level with an expectant crowd.

The loan that Harding actually has is to Alfreton Town; a non-league outfit for a month with a recall option and also he is able to play in the development squad still. It seems bizarre. Yes we have Shotton now who can step in at right back but with Caddis tiring, he is needed at right back. With Robbo looking to play fewer matches, we still need a bit of back up in this role and Harding would be perfect to do that. He could be a squad player and sit next to Robbo on the bench to learn the ropes.

Instead, such a talented player, is shipped off to play at a low level, no disrespect to Alfreton Town intended. But I don’t feel that it is right for the player at this time in his career.