Fleetwood Town have added former Leeds United winger Liam McCarron to their list of pre-season trialists, offering the 24-year-old an opportunity to earn a deal following his release from Northampton Town.
McCarron featured in both of the Cod Army’s opening friendlies — against Bamber Bridge and FC Halifax Town — as manager Charlie Adam continues to shape his squad for the 2025/26 League Two season. The winger is no stranger to trial opportunities, having earned a short-term contract at Sixfields last summer under Jon Brady after impressing in a similar scenario.
He made 18 appearances for Northampton last season, including three under Kevin Nolan after the managerial switch, but found himself out of favour in the run-in and was ultimately let go at the end of the campaign.
Fleetwood’s decision to bring McCarron into the fold reflects Adam’s ongoing desire to bolster his attacking depth. With several wide positions yet to be nailed down, and the club keen to maintain a high-tempo style in possession, the trial could provide a low-risk chance to add pace and width.
McCarron Among Several Players Being Assessed
The Scot is not the only player under the microscope at Highbury this summer, with several unattached professionals and young hopefuls expected to feature throughout July. As the club continues to rebuild following last season’s relegation from League One, smart recruitment will be key to restoring momentum.
While no permanent deal has yet been offered to McCarron, his experience across the EFL pyramid — including spells in the Championship and League Two — could make him a versatile option on either flank.
Having come through the ranks at Carlisle United before joining Leeds United in 2019, McCarron was viewed as a promising wide man in his early years. A switch to Stoke City followed in 2022, though he found opportunities limited there before moving to Northampton for more consistent minutes.
Fleetwood will continue to assess the winger across upcoming pre-season matches, with a decision on his future likely to come before the league campaign kicks off next month.
Writer’s View
This is a smart move from Charlie Adam. Liam McCarron still has age and pace on his side, and his track record of earning contracts through trials suggests he has the hunger to impress. While his output at Northampton was limited, that doesn’t tell the full story — he was used inconsistently and rarely given a run of starts.
For a Fleetwood side operating with tight resources and a need for energetic wide players, McCarron represents a calculated gamble. If he shows the same sharpness in training and friendlies that got him a deal at Sixfields, don’t be surprised to see him back in League Two with the Cod Army come August.
