Stevenage have recalled defender Owen Cochrane from his loan spell with Kettering Town, as reported by Kettering’s official site.
Steve Evans’ side climbed to fourth in the League One table this weekend with a win against Lincoln City. Jamie Reid’s goal secured the points, but at the back, they looked solid, rarely conceding a chance. Despite that, they’ve opted to end the 18-year-old’s temporary spell in Northants early, despite him being ever-present for the Poppies this season.
A simple statement from Kettering read, “Owen Cochrane has been recalled from his loan with us by parent club Stevenage. Joining us in pre-season, he has been an ever-present member of the team and has developed well in his time with us.
“We thank him for all his efforts whilst with us and for his future progress in the game.”
The right-back has a single senior appearance to his name for his parent club, playing 80 minutes of their 1-0 defeat against Salford in December 2018. He penned a senior deal with them in July, having been with the academy since the age of 14.
We can confirm that right-back, Owen Cochrane, has been recalled from his loan by Stevenage FC. Thank you, Owen, for your efforts this season. Don’t be a stranger!
We can also confirm that Luca Miller has returned following his loan at Harborough! Welcome back, Luca!#KTFC
— Kettering Town FC (@KTFCOfficial) November 20, 2023
Cochrane, who also spent time on a work experience loan with Potters Bar, made his final appearance for his loan side as they beat Corby Town 4-2 last week. That came just days after manager Andy Leese was sacked by the club following a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Coalville.
He returns to a Stevenage side in good form, with Steve Evans having guided them to the upper echelons of League One. It remains unclear whether his return is to integrate him into the first team or as a result of Leese leaving the Poppies.
Kettering play in the Southern League Premier Central, where they’re currently 16th in the table, just two points outside the relegation spots, having played more games than the three teams immediately below them.
Writer’s View
It seems unlikely that Cochrane will be going back into the club’s first team despite his run of games for Kettering.
He may be around the squad for a while, but another loan deal seems like the obvious choice. That could be sooner rather than later, given that his parent club are out of the BSM Trophy, a competition that often sees younger players blooded.
His recall is surely more likely down to the disruption at Kettering, the sacking of Andy Leese, and the struggles they’re encountering off the field. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him heading back out on loan to a club at the same level to ensure he gets games.
Having penned a pro deal in the summer, he is seen as a prospect at Stevenage, but he needs minutes to help his development.
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