AFC Fylde is delighted to announce the loan signing of young goalkeeper Tommy Simkin from Sky Bet Championship side Stoke City. 

Tommy, who is just 17 years old, arrives at Mill Farm on a one-month loan deal from Stoke City ahead of the 22/23 National League North campaign and has been capped at international level for England U18s.

Originally starting off as a centre-back before moving into the goalkeeper position, Tommy is comfortable with the ball at his feet and brave when keeping the ball out of the back of the net. 

The highly-rated goalkeeper spent the week with James Rowe’s side at St Andrew’s and featured in the 2-1 victory over Arbroath FC, pulling off a tremendous point-blank save in the second half. 

On the arrival of Tommy, Head of Goalkeeping Dan Crofts said: “We’re delighted to have Tommy with us for the term of his loan.

“For his development, working closely with the calibre of ‘keeper that Chris Neal is will help him massively. He’s a brilliant lad and excellent ‘keeper, who’s settled in really well with the group. 

“Stoke and Richard Taylor have been brilliant in the process, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how Tommy develops over the coming months.”