Brackley Town sign Birmingham City academy graduate on loan - he defended against Germany wonderkid Said El Mala only last year
Brackley Town have confirmed the acquisition of Tamworth defender Tommy Fogarty on a short-term loan deal.
Signing number 17 of the summer, Fogarty arrives for an initial one month loan as manager Andy Whing moves to bolster his defensive squad depth.
Brackley have been without their captain - central defender Kyle Morrison - for the start of the campaign and fellow centre-half Will Armitage recently suffered an ankle injury.
With numbers low in that position, midfielder Charlie Cooper had to drop back into defence during the Saints’ opening day win away at AFC Telford United.
Fogarty, still only 22 years of age, came through Birmingham City’s academy and had loan spells at Ebbsfleet United, Boston United and Morecambe in the National League.
It’s a good opportunity for the 16-time Northern Ireland U21 international, who can get up to speed with Brackley in the National League North before returning to Step 1 Tamworth.
Just last October, Fogarty was taking on Germany U21’s Said El Mala and Assan Ouedraogo – considered two of the most talented youngsters on the nearby continent.
Speaking after completing his move to the Saints, Fogarty said: “I’m really pleased to be here.
“I’d describe myself as a mix between an old-school defender and someone who is comfortable on the ball, but naturally I’m someone who loves defending.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to has said really good things about Brackley. I’m looking forward to getting minutes, helping the team continue its strong start and bringing everything I can to the group.”
Once a Scottish second-tier professional with Dunfermline Athletic, Fogarty is understood to be a player Brackley have been monitoring for a while.
Whing, therefore, is delighted to get him on board. If he does well and Tamworth are happy with Fogarty’s game time, there’s a chance he could stay beyond his month.