Classy message from Walsall as Nathan Lowe returns to Stoke City
Walsall will take immense pride in the "fantastic journey" to come for Nathan Lowe as he returns to parent club Stoke City.
Lowe, aged 19, has been recalled from a stunning loan spell at Walsall, where he has scored 18 times and set up another seven in 30 appearances as he tasted regular senior football for the first time. A 5-1 thrashing of Tranmere on Saturday, in which he got one goal and one assist, puts them 12 points clear at the top of League Two.
He had been summoned back to train for a day at Clayton Wood last week under the watch of new Stoke manager Mark Robins, himself a former Walsall striker. And on Sunday night, Robins pushed the button to get him back from what had initially been intended to be a season-long deal. He would have been cup-tied for an FA Cup victory at Sunderland but will go straight into the squad for a Championship trip to West Bromwich Albion next weekend.
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Walsall released a statement to outline the impact Lowe has had and impression he has made both on and off the pitch over the last few months.
It said: "Nathan has made a huge impact during his spell with us at the Poundland Bescot Stadium, scoring 18 goals and assisting a further seven in his 30 appearances for the club. His ability and personality shone brightly on and off the pitch, culminating in a thoroughly deserved EA Sports FC EFL Young Player of the Month award for October and more recently the Sky Bet League Two Player of the Month award in December.
"While we are disappointed to be losing his services, we are incredibly proud of the progress he has made during his time with us.
"We will be watching Nathan’s career continue to develop with a keen eye and immense pride, and wish him all the very best in the next chapter of what will no doubt be a fantastic journey for him and his family."
Walsall also have Stoke's England youth goalkeeper Tommy Simkin on loan as they charge towards the title and promotion under manager Mat Sadler.
The statement continued: "Everybody at the football club will work tirelessly to keep progressing and support Mat, the staff and the team as we look forwards to the rest of the season. Our recruitment team have been preparing for all eventualities ahead of, and during the window, and we will work through our options immediately.
"Thank you for your outstanding contribution, Nathan."
Robins has already recalled Lewis Baker from a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers, putting him straight back in the starting XI at Sunderland.
