AFC Fylde is delighted to announce the signing of Max Metcalfe from Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough FC on a three-month loan.
A 20-year-old shot-stopper, who has been with the Teeside Club since Under-15 level, Max joins up with Adam Murray’s side and boosts the goalkeeping department, providing cover and competition for Theo Richardson.
Born in Scotland and standing at 6’6, Max penned his first professional contract at the Riverside Stadium in 2021 and has represented Scotland at Under-19 level, as well as attending several England training camps shortly after signing his first professional deal.
Stepping up to the National League, Max joins the Coasters off the back of a short loan spell at Spennymoor Town in the North division last term, where he kept four clean sheets in two months at Brewery Field.
Speaking after the arrival of Max, Director of Football Chris Beech said: “Max joins us having already made a couple of cameo appearances in pre-season for us; some of you Coasters may have caught a glimpse of him at Bamber Bridge in the second half. “His attitude, character and capabilities are a great match with our expectations to playing in goal. His calm, consistent traits will add both to our daily work on the training ground and our match day opportunities as a team.“Max will provide cover and competition to Theo in the early stages of the season while Chris Neal recovers from injury.“Having met both his father and Max, it is clear to see he will provide healthy competition in the goalkeeping department, with bags of energy to make a difference.“We would like to thank Middlesbrough’s Craig Liddle (Academy manager) and Karen Nelson (Secretary) for assisting and supporting the loan.”
Following confirmation of the loan, Max added: “I’m over the moon to have signed on loan for the Club. I am so happy it’s all been sorted so I can kick on and try to help the team the best I can.
“After playing a few games in pre-season for Fylde, I wanted to make sure I got the loan deal sorted as quickly as possible. I love how the team plays, and I think this is the perfect environment for me to develop.
“My main aim is to break into the team and become number one here, which will help show my true ability when on the pitch.
“Spennymoor was my first loan, and I loved playing men’s football where results really do matter. I believe that going there has set me up perfectly for this loan as I still believe I have so much more to show.”
Welcome to AFC Fylde, Max!
