3 players Stockport County should consider letting leave this summer and why | OneFootball

These outgoings could prove valuable for Stockport County further down the line

Stockport County have already suffered some high-profile outgoings so far this summer.

They have waved goodbye to the likes of Tanto Olaofe, Fraser Horsfall and Will Collar, who have all had a prominent role in the squad in recent years.

Less utilised at Edgeley Park so far is the loan market for some of the Hatters’ talent youngsters, with Ryan Rydel so far the only player out on secondment.

With that in mind, Football League World looks at three players County should consider letting leave on loan this summer…

Che Gardner

One of the youngsters creating the biggest buzz around Edgeley Park is Che Gardner.

That the teenager’s father is Bolton Wanderers legend Ricardo Gardner, and his friend, world-record holder Usain Bolt, takes a publicly keen interest in the youngster’s career, certainly doesn’t dampen the interest, but the younger Gardner is catching attention on his own merit.

The young attacker made four senior appearances for County last season, all before reaching adulthood, having impressed in pre-season, but only made the matchday squad a handful of times after that.

He repeated his pre-season antics 12 months on, notching the winner in a friendly against Bristol Rovers out in Spain, putting focus back on him after some time away from the first-team picture.

With the signing of Malik Mothersille adding to the likes of Jack Diamond and Jayden Fevrier in wide attacking areas, Gardner may find the battle for consistent minutes difficult.

But Gardner is clearly highly thought of at County, signing a two-and-a-half-year professional deal towards the end of last year, and featuring prominently in the club’s recent away kit rollout.

A loan away to boost his senior minutes, adjusting to the professional game, could be the best next step for Gardner, as he works his way to fulfilling the promise he’s shown over the last year.

Max Metcalfe

County recruited towering goalkeeper Max Metcalfe from Middlesbrough’s academy last summer on a one-year development contract.

The young gloveman then went out on loans to Eastbourne and Marine and clearly impressed the decision-makers at County, as they opted to hand him another year-long deal this summer.

Stockport’s are pretty set between the sticks this season, with Corey Addai likely to be deputised by club legend Ben Hinchliffe for the majority.

But the latter will turn 37 a few months into the new campaign, having now entered the last 12 months of the two-year deal he was handed last summer.

Whether he extends his playing time remains to be seen, but he has already been touted for a future coaching role, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make this transition next summer.

That means that, at a minimum, Addai will need a new no.2; it could be the perfect time for Metcalfe to take a step-up in seniority.

Another loan this season, where he’s going to get minutes on the pitch, would be the perfect preparation for Metcalfe in case that eventuality comes to fruition – having him ready to take a more prominent first-team role could save the club a decent chunk of money.

Jid Okeke

Jid Okeke, like Metcalfe, also saw his time with County extended as part of the club’s released and retained list at the end of the season, with a one-year option triggered in his contract.

The young German right-back has been steadily progressing, starting with short-term loans in the National League North with Chester, Hereford and South Shields.

He took a step-up to National League outfit Rochdale, where he made eight appearances, six from the start, and managed to notch an assist.

With recent signings Arttu Hoskonen and Joseph Olowu both capable of playing in his position, along with Jay Mingi, Okeke may be some way down the pecking list as things stand.

But he is clearly impressing on loan in lower divisions and, still only 20, has plenty of development room.

Another loan, potentially back in the National League for regular starts or in the lower stretches of League Two, could be the final step Okeke needs to begin troubling the County’s first team 12 months down the line – but the Hatters will need to be wary of his contract situation if he does begin impressing on loan.