Gavin Cowan: Loans are still way forward for AFC Telford

Callum Cockerill-Mollett returned to Walsall earlier this week after making just two appearances for the Bucks.

John McAtee will not feature before his month-long stay from Shrewsbury Town ends either due to being shown a straight red card at Curzon Ashton last weekend, for an alleged elbow on goalkeeper Cameron Mason.

There is always an element of risk when it comes to loans, and Cowan is prepared to take more chances.

“It worked with Callum, when he played. Callum was just very unlucky in that Walsall didn’t allow him to play in the FA Cup games,” he said.

“That allowed Steph Morley to come back in and then it’s hard to drop a player of your own for someone who is only around for so long.

“Callum did really well in the two games he played, against Stockport and Blyth, so he’s certainly got a future in the game.

“With John, we saw two sides to him. You saw that work-rate against Chorley and then he got the sending off.

“The loan market is a really good one though. It’s a no-brainer, to be honest. We’ll continue to use it.”

Cowan feels the red card was a harsh lesson for McAtee.

The Telford chief suggested after the game it was ‘probably’ the last Bucks fans will see of him, though an official decision over whether his loan will be extended is yet to be made.

“He probably got done a bit for the red card, to be fair, but aside from that in that game, there was no concentration from him, no drive, no enthusiasm,” said Cowan.

“I’ve got to sit down with the chairman and have a chat about John.

“John’s really got to work hard, knuckle down, and make the most of his next chance.”

Forward McAtee, 19, also had a spell at the New Bucks Head last campaign.

Left-back Cockerill-Mollett’s temporary Telford stint was his first away from Walsall, where he has made four appearances.