Veteran defender Nathaniel Knight-Percival has put pen to paper on a short-term loan deal to National League North leaders Tamworth, the club have announced.
Signing on loan from Kidderminster Harriers, the former Carlisle man will be hoping that he can help guide his new club to promotion into the top step of non-league football. Tamworth currently sit 11 points clear of closest rivals Scunthorpe United and could win the title as early as Friday, as they host Bishop’s Stortford.
The central defender has an array of experience in the EFL, yet began his career in non-league, turning out for Histon FC and Wrexham before making the step-up to join Championship side Peterborough United. After two years at the Weston Homes Stadium, Knight-Percival then joined League Two side Shrewsbury Town, before moving to both Bradford City and Carlisle United. After leaving the latter, the EFL Trophy winner joined Morecambe and then Tranmere Rovers, before heading back into non-league.
This season, the 36-year-old has started 13 matches in the fifth tier for his parent club, however, only one of those appearances has come since the end of September, after being out for the rest of the matches through injury. This loan move could therefore be a good opportunity for a player potentially towards the end of his career to regain some fitness and add a promotion to his CV.
Furthermore, with the Champions Elect’s defence having been hit with injuries in recent weeks, it would be hoped that this signing could provide the adequate squad depth needed to get over the line.
Tamworth manager Andy Peaks expressed his joy at bringing in a player with a vast amount of experience.
“Nat brings a wealth of experience. to the club at this crucial time,” the former AFC Rushden and Diamonds manager stated. “He is a born leader, a winner and we are delighted to get him. Hopefully, his contribution will help to get us over the line. With Jamie Willetts, Callum Cockerill-Mollett and Liam Dolman all ruled out of the next few games due to injury, it is good to have Nat on board for the final run-in. He knows the league well having being part of Kidderminster’s promotion side last season.”
With five games left to go this season, Tamworth only need a small handful of points to confirm the National League North title.
Writer’s View
This is a smart move from all parties. Tamworth are in need of defenders at the moment due to injuries hitting at a potentially crucial part of the season, however, with the advantage they have over their nearest rivals, it seems unlikely that anything can stop them from winning promotion.
Bringing in a player with the experience of Knight-Percival could be exactly what is needed, and for him, it may be one last hurrah to top off an impressive career that has spanned more than a decade and a half.
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