Manager of Bradford City Graham Alexander has made the first public indication that Jake Young, who is now on loan from Swindon Town, will likely return to Valley Parade in the upcoming month.
The striker joined Swindon on a season-long loan in the summer and has since been scoring goals for joy.
With 16 goals, Young leads League Two, matching his total from his three prior professional seasons.
The Bantams fan base is naturally very frustrated with the 22-year-old for scoring so freely.
However, Bradford is anticipated to exercise the deal’s recall clause during the January transfer window.
Alexander affirmed that they are closely monitoring every player that is on loan.
But he obviously appreciates the keen interest in Young’s red-hot form since Mark Hughes encouraged him to go elsewhere to play.
Alexander said, “This is the game. There are different reasons why players do well at one club and not at another.
“It happens all the time. It might be the style of play, the formation, or the relationships with other players.
“I understand it can be frustrating. But you can only play 11 at one time, so there are always going to be good players who miss out on regular game time.
“For us, it’s good to see players that belong to us going out and playing well and showing how good they are.
“It’s good we have options to bring them back and slip them into our squad if we see fit.”
Swindon are currently League Two’s leading scorers, thanks to Young, and sit four points above his parent club in eighth. The Bradford man has netted in six consecutive games.
It is a remarkable transformation after being told by Hughes in pre-season that he was not in his plans and should look for a loan move.
Swindon Advertiser: Jake Young played just 45 minutes in pre-season against Avenue
Young, who is under contract until the end of next season, played just 45 minutes in a friendly at Bradford Park Avenue and was not involved in the squad’s training camp in Spain.
He turned down two offers from the National League before Michael Flynn came in to take him to Swindon on the eve of the season.
Like Ryan East, who has been impressing in the fifth tier at Rochdale, Young has enjoyed the regular opportunities that were not on offer from their former Bantams boss.
But the door is now open for a potential return for the second half of the campaign.
Alexander added: “The whole thing about letting lads go out on loan is that clubs want them to play, develop their careers, and get game time. That’s why they go out, and then you keep track.
“It’s good to see players enjoying their football and doing well. We’ve got some decisions to make in January.
“There’s plenty of time to get good wins under our belts and a good points tally, and for players to either change their season round or continue what they’ve done in the first half of it.
“Considering how many games we still have left and our squad’s potential, as well as the possibility of strengthening it in January if we can, is exciting.”
“Let’s cast a little hope toward the future.”
Flynn thinks Young is capable of playing at a higher level and would want to keep him at the County Ground.
“I don’t think it changes anything because if he keeps scoring, then we won’t have to worry about him going to Bradford; it will be League One or Championship clubs trying to buy him,” the former Bradford captain stated at the time of Hughes’ dismissal.
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