Spurs loanee moves to a new League One team | OneFootball

When Matthew Craig joined Barnsley on loan, there was plenty of optimism. The youngster had enjoyed a successful loan at fellow South Yorkshire side Doncaster Rovers last season, and there was hope that his development would continue with Barnsley in League One.

Things started well, with Craig being a mainstay in the side, and getting to play 45 minutes against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup. However, in October, he lost his place in the side, and never managed to get it back. He was first reduced to substitute appearances, and then for a long time, did not manage to get off the bench.

In December, he was given a starting XI lifeline against Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley's Leyton Orient, but was tactically replaced before half time, and that proved to be his final appearance for the Tykes, with the situation beyond repairing.

Conscious of this, Spurs decided to recall him from this loan, and subsequently send him on loan to fellow League One side Mansfield Town. For this loan, Craig will be playing for Nigel Clough, the son of legendary football manager Brian Clough. At the moment, they sit 9th in the league, one place below Orient, though with the same points, and a game in hand.

His potential debut will have to wait, with their home game against Wigan Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup postponed due to the weather. He may not have to wait long, however, with a trip to Exeter City in League One set to take place on Tuesday

There is little doubt that Clough is a top manager, who has done a brilliant job with Mansfield. Despite being a newly promoted side, they are, as touched on above, pretty close to the current play-off positions.

Within the Mansfield squad, there is an incredible amount of experience, with a lot of players well into their 30's that have seen it all in football. Having these players in the same dressing room will be great points for Craig to learn from, as he continues to try and make his way into senior professional football.

Next month, the 21-year old will have another chance to play against Keeley and Donley, when the O's host Mansfield on the 11th of February. Hopefully more of the same for the Orient boys, and a much better day for Craig himself.

Good luck, let's hope for a consistent run of games until the end of the season.