AFC Telford United boss outlines expectations for new loan recruit

AFC Telford United boss Kevin Wilkin believes new loan recruit Taylor Anderson will be able to “cope physically” in the National League North.

The 21-year-old has joined the Bucks on a temporary deal from Mansfield Town, which is set to run until the New Year.

Anderson was named on the bench for their 2-2 draw against Hebburn Town on Saturday, but did not feature.

The right-back gained loan experience during brief spells with Alfreton Town and King’s Lynn Town last season.

On his latest addition, Wilkin said: “It'll take it up to around the New Year, so we’ll see how that develops.

“He's slightly older than generally the loans that you take at 21 and he’s 22 in a week or two's time. He's had a bit of loan experience. I think he came here with King's Lynn last season. I know he's been out on loan at Alfreton last season as well.”

The Bucks have utilised the loan market with the signings of goalkeeper Lewys Benjamin, midfielder Isaac England, attacking midfielder Kian Ryley and striker Rio Owen this term.

And Wilkin, who also relayed the message to the other loan players, stated that Anderson needs to prove that he is capable at this level.

“I think physically he'll be able to cope with it, but again, along with lots of those loan players that we're having at the moment, they've got it all to prove, and I know they need opportunity to prove what they're all about,” he continued.

“They've got to prove that they are capable of Step 2 and working beyond that. They're at a young age, most of them, where, like I say, learning and understanding from it, they will definitely gain that, so we'll see how they fare and how they go on.”