Chesterfield could lose loanee Dilan Markanday in January after Blackburn Rovers bos John Eustace admitted they could trigger an early recall clause.
The 23-year-old joined the Spireites on a season-long loan deal in August in search of first team minutes. Having joined Blackburn from Tottenham Hotspur in 2022, the winger struggled for game time, although did make 21 Championship appearances for the Lancashire side last season, mainly from the substitutes bench.
The decision to send the player out on a temporary deal was made in the summer, with League Two newcomers Chesterfield winning the race for his signature.
Instant Impact
Markanday made his debut for his new club in a 5-0 win over Crewe Alexandra, where he provided an assist. He has since become a key player under Paul Cook, scoring five times in 13 league outings.
Blackburn do hold an early recall clause, which could see him return to Ewood Park in the new year. This speculation increased when his parent club refused him permission to play in Chesterfield’s FA Cup first round win over Horsham.
John Eustace Admits Markanday Could Return
With Markanday’s loan spell proving to be a success during the early stages of the season, Rovers boss Eustace has admitted they could exercise the clause held in the deal with Chesterfield. Speaking to The Lancashire Times, the 45-year-old said:
“Possibly (Markanday could return). January is when the FA Cup is around again so we will monitor that. He has done amazingly well and that is why we sent him there.
“Dilan is a fantastic young, exciting player. I don’t think he’s been developed properly over the last few years in terms of his game time.
“It was important he went out and got game time. We set him the challenge to go out and star at that level. He is doing that at the moment.
“It was very important that Dilan went out, he is doing terrifically well now and we hope he comes back to make a difference.
“We will assess that in January going forward and see if we think that he can come back and make a difference for us.”
Writer’s View
Chesterfield will be sweating on Blackburn’s decision, but this is always the risk with loans. Colchester United found themselves in a similar situation last season with striker Joe Taylor. He excelled at the U’s in League Two, meaning Luton exercised their recall option to send him to Lincoln City in League One to further his development at a higher level. The Spireites harbour promotion ambitions this season and will be hoping that Markanday remains at the club to help them achieve their aim.
Head of Writing
