Transfer News: Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Jake Turner joins Stalybridge Celtic on loan

Bolton Wanderers’ promising young goalkeeper Jake Turner has joined Northern Premier League side Stalybridge Celtic on loan until 4th January.

The 18 year old goalkeeper, who has previously been linked with a move to Manchester United in the past, will hope to get some first team minutes during his time with 7th tier side Stalybridge. Turner faces competition from James Coates, who has recently joined Celtic from Droyslden.

Turner will link up with a familiar face at Stalybridge, as former Wanderers academy player Alex Honeyball joined Celtic back in the Summer from Bolton.

Capped at England U18 and U19 level, many Wanderers fans have been eager for Jake Turner to be given a chance in the first team. But with Ben Alnwick in form and the more experienced Mark Howard preferred on the bench, Turner has been made to wait for his debut. He has however featured on the first team bench three teams this season because of injuries.

A short term loan like this gives Turner the perfect opportunity to play some first team football, which is unlikely to happen anytime soon at Wanderers.

I’m assuming this is a work experience loan similar to the deal that Alex Samizadeh was on with Chorley last season, so Turner would still be available for U23 matches.

Jake Turner could have made his debut on Saturday against Warrington Town, but the match was postponed because of a frozen pitch.