Chesterfield have announced a season-long loan signing of Newcastle United’s Max Thompson. The goalkeeper was unveiled via the club’s website this morning.
The 20-year-old loanee featured for Northampton Town in League One last season, but will continue his developmental journey with the Spireites in the fourth tier. In 15 league matches for The Cobblers, Thompson managed to produce five clean sheets.
𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱, 𝗠𝗮𝘅 💙
✍️ We are delighted to announce the signing of Max Thompson on a season-long loan from Newcastle United!
More details here ⬇️#Spireites
— Chesterfield FC (@ChesterfieldFC) August 29, 2024
Thompson has spent most of his early career in Newcastle’s academy set-up, but has put in some stellar performances for Northampton in the Football League Trophy and the EFL Cup. For example, in a 2-2 draw to Chelsea’s Under-21s last season, the Englishmen completed six saves to secure his side a huge point in the group stage.
Following the completion of this lower league switch, the 20-year-old told Chesterfield’s media team about what the Derbyshire club can expect from him this season:
“It’s a good opportunity for me to try and get some games under my belt – hopefully prove what I can do.
“I’m quite a proactive goalkeeper. I like to stay high, come off my line and come for crosses. I’d like to think I’ve got a bit of everything.”
Chesterfield are currently sitting in ninth, upon their return to League Two. A 5-0 obliteration of Crewe Alexandra, away from home, was sandwiched in between two 1-1 draws against Swindon Town and Salford City. An exit to Derby County in the EFL Cup first round has surely left the focus on the league however.
With Ryan Boot as the only senior goalkeeping option, prior to this loan deal, Thompson will likely slot straight into the starting eleven, given his performances in the third tier last season.
It has been a relatively busy summer window for the Spireites, and a clever use of the loan market has rejuvenated last season’s National League champions. The coup of Thompson will compliment the temporary signings of Dilan Markanday, Devan Tanton, and Harvey Araujo. As for permanent incomings, Chesterfield have notched Vontae Daley-Campbell, Chey Dunkley, Paddy Madden, Kane Drummond, Tim Akinola, and Lewis Gordon.
The goalkeeping departure of Luke Chadwick had opened up an uncontested place in the starting eleven for Boot, but now there’s potential that both could fight for a place this campaign. Thompson will likely take priority in the squad though, with Eddie Howe’s side hoping to offer first-team football to the young shot-stopper, via a lower league side.
Writer’s View
The calibre of signings that Chesterfield are getting through the door seems unprecedented at this level. Having started the season off fairly strongly, the Derbyshire outfit will be looking to solidify their defence even further with this signing, therefore promoting a shift in focus towards attacking emphasis instead.
Thompson is a phenomenal pick-up considering the quality he displayed in League One last season. Newcastle supporters also appear content with the 20-year-old heading out on loan once more. It seems that the English shot-stopper is well regarded at St. James’ Park and will be adding further experience away from his parent club’s development side.
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