Huddersfield Town midfielder Chris Atkinson has joined Blue Square Premier side Darlington on a six-month loan deal.
The 19-year-old signed professional terms with Town last summer after coming through their successful youth programme. He made his first-team debut at home against Macclesfield Town in last season’s FA Cup and went on to make two further appearances for the Terriers.
“Chris is very highly-rated by Lee Clark,” Manager Mark Cooper told the Darlington club website.
“He wants him to go out and get some match experience at a decent level.”
Cooper added: “There was only a couple of Conference clubs he’d allow him to join, and we were one of them, so we’re grateful for that.”
“We have a quality midfielder who’s tall, athletic, very mobile, loves a tackle and can nick a goal.”
Atkinson who is Huddersfield born and bred will be keen to use this loan period as an opportunity to further push towards Town’s first-team squad and Clark is eager to keep tabs on the youngster’s progress.
“I’ve explained how highly I rate Chris Atkinson many times during the course of last season and feel that now is the right time to allow him some time out on loan,” Terriers boss Lee Clark told www.htafc.com.
“We will keep tabs on Chris’ progression throughout his six months at Darlington and compile a dossier.”
“When he returns in January we will have a good idea of where he is and what his next step should be.”
