Young defender Malakai Reeve has joined FC United of Manchester on a 28-day loan deal, in a bid to get more game time in a first-team environment.
It’s been a really positive past week for the young Bluebird who played 45 minutes during our EFL Trophy triumph over Liverpool U21s last week, whilst he also starred in our B Team’s 3-0 win over Preston North-End Reserves on Tuesday afternoon.
The 19-year-old joined the Bluebirds’ B Team in the summer having come through the ranks at Championship side Coventry City. So far, this season he has featured twice for the first team in the EFL Trophy, even managing to start the match away to Morecambe in October.
B Team Head Coach Jason Taylor revealed the main reason the club wanted Reeve to head out on loan was because Barrow felt he was in need of some regular game time.
Taylor said: “I think as staff we've realised that Malakai needs to get regular game time and we've seen an opportunity where we can get him out to FC this month and have regular game time calling. I think it's a great opportunity for him to play competitive men’s football and experience that side of the game."
Our B Team Head Coach added that a consistent run of games at FC Utd could help push the young Defender even closer to the first-team squad at Barrow.
Taylor added: “Mal’s not played regularly for two years and sometimes we forget the bigger picture of that. He's now come through a couple of 90-minute games and played 45 minutes against Liverpool last week, and now it’s time to do this week in and week out.
“You’re never really a million miles off the setup we have currently. It is never too far away. All it takes is a few injuries to get into that first team and he just needs to play regularly and have a consistent month, to then put himself in the Manager's thoughts.”
As many fans know Barrow uses the facilities at Broadhurst Park (the home of FC Utd) for training which means despite Reeve being out on loan, the Barrow staff are still able to keep a close eye on his development.
“Well it works out perfectly, we're here daily and can still keep an eye on him,” Taylor said
“We can get to the games nearby and see how he's getting on. Obviously, the Manager has good relationships with their Manager so it's the perfect scenario for us and Mal."
Best of luck with your loan Malakai.