Bristol City have recalled goalkeeper Josey Casa-Grande from his loan spell with Bath City, where he gained vital experience in senior football.
The Romans currently sit in tenth place in the National League South table, yet are just a singular point off of the play-offs with games in hand over each of the three teams above them. With the fifth best goal difference in the league, they’ll be in a rather strong position if able to capitalise on their games in hand.
Case-Grande had been the club’s number one until Will Buse returned from injury in mid-March. As a result the 18-year-old, who was brought in to replace the injured Buse originally, has spent the last three games on the bench and has now been recalled by his Bristol City.
It was somewhat of an emergency loan with no other goalkeeper at the club at the time, but Casa-Grande was mightily impressive between the sticks for the play-off chasers. He would make nine appearances during his stay at Twerton Park, conceding just nine goals and keeping an impressive three clean sheets.
Given it was his first taste of senior football, the 18-year-old surpassed all expectations and the future is certainly bright. Perhaps he was unlucky to lose the starting spot to Buse but then again, experience will count in the race for the play-offs.
Capped by Wales at an under-19 level, the goalkeeper is held in a high regard and could be pushing for a spot on the Robins’ bench in years to come. At just 18, he’ll no doubt be given some more time out on loan to master his craft but he’s already got one very successful spell to build on.
Bristol City and Bath have a very good relationship which has seen the former loan a whole host of players to the latter in recent years. The latest being Duncan Idehen, who joined the Romans last week on loan until the end of the season.
With the success of Casa-Grande’s loan, it is expected that there will be plenty more business between the two sides in years to come.
Writer’s View
It is surprising that Casa-Grande is only 18 given the professionalism he showed during his loan spell at Twerton Park and the experience will certainly be beneficial. It should’ve fast-tracked his progression, through being thrown in at the deep end.
Bristol City would’ve been extremely pleased with his performances on loan and although it is disappointing that Buse took back the starting spot, it is hardly a surprise given both the manner in which the 18-year-old was signed but also just how good Buse has been this season.
He’s certainly a player to watch and has made a great start to life in senior football.
