Sam Straughan-Brown has left Doncaster Rovers to join National League North side Spalding United on a month-long youth loan.
The 19-year-old heads to Lincolnshire, as he continues his development in the professional game. Having come through the ranks at Doncaster, Straughan-Brown made his debut as a 16-year-old in August 2023, as Doncaster were beaten 2-1 by Everton in the Carabao Cup. He has racked up six further appearances since then, including a single league appearance in a 3-0 win over MK Dons when they were back in League Two.
Continuing his development
A youth loan is not new to the youngster either, having spent time at Northern Premier League Division One East side Bradford (Park Avenue) before moving to Peterborough Sports in the National League North.
Straughan-Brown would get an opportunity to play more regularly, heading back to The Turbines last season, where he made 28 appearances.
Now, he aims to help Spalding, who embark on their first season in the National League North, after earning promotion by winning the play-offs in the Premier Division Central, coming from 2-0 down to score a last-minute equaliser in normal time from the penalty spot, before winning 4-2 in extra time against Real Bedford.
It’s been a fruitful pre-season for The Tulips, with a 2-2 draw against National League Scunthorpe United, followed up with wins over Quorn FC and a 5-0 thumping of Bishop’s Stortford.
With six league games to come in August for Spalding, Straughan-Brown will hope he can earn some valuable minutes and continue his development.
Spalding’s August fixtures in the National League North (via the club website)
Sat 8 Aug – Radcliffe (A) – 3:00 pm
Sat 15 Aug – Oxford City (H) – 3:00 pm
Tue 18 Aug – Macclesfield (H) – 7:45 pm
Sat 22 Aug – Chester (A) – 3:00 pm
Sat 29 Aug – Worksop Town (H) – 3:00 pm
Mon 31 Aug – South Shields (A) – 3:00 pm
