Tranmere Rovers striker Sam Taylor has agreed to join National League side Oldham Athletic on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 21-year-old forward, who has found opportunities limited under manager Nigel Adkins, is looking to gain more first-team experience with the Latics, who are currently chasing promotion back to the Football League.
Loan Move to Boost Game Time
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Taylor’s loan to Oldham is designed to provide him with much-needed game time. So far this season, the forward has made nine appearances in all competitions for Tranmere, scoring once. However, only six of those outings have come in League Two, with the team struggling near the bottom of the table in 19th place.
Oldham Athletic, on the other hand, are performing strongly in the National League, sitting fifth in the table and firmly in the play-off spots. Taylor’s addition is expected to strengthen their attacking options as they aim for a return to the Football League.
Taylor’s Development Journey
A product of the Tranmere Rovers academy, Taylor has been with the club since his youth days, working his way through various levels before making his senior debut in an EFL Trophy match against Leeds United Under-23s in October 2022. Since then, he has made 41 appearances for the club, scoring five goals.
Last year, Taylor was loaned out to Bootle in non-league football, gaining valuable experience. This latest move to Oldham is seen as another crucial step in his development. Taylor signed a contract extension with Tranmere in November 2023, committing his future to the club until 2026. At the time, he expressed his excitement, stating:
“I’m delighted. Happy to get it signed and stay for three more years. When it was offered to me, it was a no-brainer.”
Manager Nigel Adkins also spoke highly of the youngster, saying: “I’m really pleased with Sam. He’s young, and it’s good that we’ve got some senior role models at the football club for him to see and help him develop.”
What’s Next for Tranmere and Taylor?
Tranmere Rovers, who recently drew 1-1 with Barrow, will be looking to build momentum as they face Morecambe in their next match. For Taylor, his loan spell with Oldham offers a valuable opportunity to gain regular minutes, improve his game, and potentially return to Tranmere as a more polished player ready to contribute at a higher level.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.