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    Re: Pond signs Archived Message

    Posted by Nik on 31/8/2023, 18:09:05, in reply to "Pond signs"

    "We are pleased to confirm that centre-half, Alfie Pond has joined the club on a season-long loan deal from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

    The 6ft 3in defender joined Wolves last September from Exeter City, and made his first-team debut for the Midlands side on Tuesday night in their Carabao Cup win over Blackpool at Molineux.

    Alfie, 19, had been at hometown club Exeter since the age of 6, making his debut for the Grecians in an EFL Trophy tie with Chelsea U21s in August 2021. Described by manager Matt Taylor after the game as a ‘serious player with huge potential’, he made a further two appearances for the first team before a successful loan spell at Tiverton Town.

    The towering defender began last season by joining National League side Yeovil Town on loan, but less than a month later completed a permanent move to Premier League Wolves for an undisclosed fee – signing a five-year deal at Molineux.

    After a successful season with the U21s under the management of James Collins, Alfie spent time training with the first-team during pre-season before making his debut on Tuesday night as a second-half substitute. He now heads out for what is his first EFL loan spell, and becomes our second loan signing of the week following Joel Cotterill’s signing on Monday. The move follows a knee injury for Neill Byrne, which will keep him out for around three months.

    Alfie will wear the number 23 whilst at Edgeley Park and is available for Saturday’s game against Crawley Town at Edgeley Park.

    First-Team Manager, Dave Challinor said:

    “I’d like to welcome Alfie to the club. It was obviously a position we needed to strengthen due to injury but to be able to get someone of his quality, pedigree and potential shows the regard in which the club is held in terms of developing players and us being trusted with them, similar to Joel’s loan.

    “Alfie can play in any of the CB positions, be that in a three or a two, is strong aerially and comfortable with the ball at his feet. He is a member of the England International squads and has a really bright future ahead of him. I am really looking forward to working with him.”

    Director of Football, Simon Wilson said:

    “Neill Byrne’s injury meant we have been looking to add some depth back into our squad in the defensive areas. Alfie is a really highly regarded young player who has been in and around Wolves first team, but became available for loan this week and following successful negotiations we are pleased to welcome him to the club.”    "

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