Sporting Director’s Update

With several recent changes across the squad at the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium, I would like to provide an update on all players connected to Buxton FC, as well as outline the ongoing work being undertaken by myself and Head of Recruitment, Jake Loftus, to ensure First Team Manager John McGrath continues to have a competitive squad at his disposal.

Recent Incomings

Ashton Mee - Ashton has signed a contract until the end of the 2026/27 season, with a club option for a further year. He joins us following his departure from Stockport County. A technically gifted player, we have monitored Ashton closely since his impressive performance against the Bucks in our pre-season fixture with Stockport’s B Team. Following Tate Campbell’s impending move to Forest Green, Ashton represented the ideal addition to the squad.

Kurt Willoughby - Kurt has joined on a permanent contract until the end of the season. A striker with strong National League North experience, we worked hard over a number of weeks to bring him to Buxton with the intention of him supporting Tai Sodje in our forward line. Unfortunately, Kurt’s arrival from Kidderminster Harriers coincided with Tai’s injury that same weekend.

Will Flint - Will has joined on loan from Doncaster Rovers until the end of the season. He is a versatile player with proven National League North ability, capable of operating at centre-back, in holding midfield, or at right-back. His flexibility adds valuable depth to the squad.

Paul Cooper - Coops returned to the Bucks on Tuesday following the completion of his four-week loan spell at Ashton United where he gained some valuable game time.

Injury Update

Max Bardell - Max sustained an injury during our 1–1 draw with South Shields at the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium. Following minor surgery, he is expected to rejoin the matchday squad this weekend for our trip to Chester.

Connor Douglas - Connor suffered a minor fracture in his hand following an innocuous training ground incident. He returned to his parent club, Leeds United, for assessment during the week and is expected to rejoin the matchday squad at Chester.

Tai Sodje - Following his return against Oxford City, further assessment revealed a minor fracture in Tai’s foot. Surgery is required to prevent the issue developing further and will take place this week. Unfortunately, this will rule Tai out until close to the end of the season.

Sam Tomlinson - Sam sustained a shoulder injury during our pre-season fixture against Barnsley FC, which ultimately required surgery. He remained involved with the squad prior to his operation which took place on 4^th December, and although he was close to returning last week, he has experienced a minor setback. Sam remains under assessment, and we hope to clarify his return-to-play timeline shortly.

Player Transfer

Tate Campbell - Following sustained interest from higher up the pyramid, an offer was received that was right for both the Club and Tate. We accepted the proposal to allow him the opportunity to progress his career, as we continue to strengthen our reputation as a club that develops young talent.

Loans

Keziah Martin - Keziah remains on loan at fellow National League North club Hereford until the end of the season. It has been a challenging start, with pitch issues at Edgar Street limiting his game time. He completed the full 90 minutes in Hereford’s 3–0 defeat at AFC Telford on Tuesday evening.

Ryan Viggars - Having completed a one month spell earlier this campaign, Ryan rejoined Matlock Town on loan until the end of the season. After featuring in all fixtures since his return, he unfortunately sustained a hamstring injury in the 10th minute of Matlock’s victory over North Ferriby last weekend. Unfortunately this is likely to keep him out for a few games.

Callum Ebanks - Callum continues his loan spell at Bedford Town. Since joining in early December, he has scored two league goals. He also started and scored twice in Bedford’s County Cup fixture on Tuesday evening.

Recruitment Update

Striker - In light of Tai’s injury and anticipated time out, we are actively seeking to recruit a leading striker to strengthen our attacking options and add further firepower for the remainder of the season.

Goalkeeper Coach Appointment

We are pleased to welcome Justin Moseley, who joins the Club following his departure from Chelmsford City. Justin will work across both our First Team and Academy goalkeepers, and will also relaunch our community goalkeeping sessions on Thursday evenings at the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium.

Further details regarding these sessions can be obtained by contacting Club Secretary Chris Hill at chris@buxtonfc.com.

We remain fully committed to strengthening the squad where required and supporting the management team as we progress through the remainder of the season.

Danny Hopkins

Sporting Director

Buxton FC