Hartlepool United manager assesses future of young defender Louis Stephenson
Hartlepool United manager Nicky Featherstone admits Louis Stephenson is likely to head out on loan again.
The young defender seems to have fallen down the pecking order this season and has made just one Pools appearance so far this term, coming off the bench during last month's humiliating FA Trophy defeat at the hands of Northern Premier League Division One Midlands side Anstey Nomads.
Despite his lack of opportunities, there had been speculation that the 20-year-old might be given his chance ahead of this weekend's much-anticipated visit of Altrincham, the first game since American businessman and investor Landon Smith completed his takeover of the club.
Although naturally a right-sided player, there had been a feeling that Stephenson might be utilised on the opposite flank as Pools bid to cope with a glaring lack of options down their left.
Featherstone's side were already looking light after Besart Topallaj was recalled from his loan by Bromley - the Kosovan defender, who made 21 appearances at Victoria Park, has since completed a permanent move to Sutton - but things became even more precarious after Cameron John was sent off during last weekend's bruising 4-0 defeat at Woking.
The normally-reliable York loanee had been enduring a rare difficult afternoon up against Woking's outstanding Josh Osude when he lashed out at the former Hashtag United man on the stroke of half time, leaving referee Callum Walchester little choice but to give the 26-year-old his marching orders.
With John, who has featured in all but three of his side's matches so far this season, now set to serve a three-game suspension, Pools are faced with a dearth of options on the left-side of their defence.
Pools turned to Jay Benn in the second half in Surrey, although the 24-year-old has been struggling for form even on his favoured right side in recent weeks. Another option available to Featherstone is Nathan Sheron, renowned for his versatility, but Pools would surely miss his drive and determination in the engine room. Teenager Campbell Darcy, meanwhile, has rejoined Northern Premier League Premier Division side Hebburn Town on loan.
Yet despite that it does not look as though Stephenson is set to feature on Saturday, with Featherstone admitting the youngster is likely to head out on loan again.
Blessed with plentiful drive, determination and passion, Stephenson has already made 36 senior appearances for Pools and is a popular figure at Victoria Park but appears to have fallen out of favour this term following a spell in the side towards the end of last season under Anthony Limbrick.
Having spent time out on loan at the likes of Blyth Spartans and Whitby Town last term, Stephenson made 10 appearances for National League North side Buxton earlier in the campaign but has failed to break back into the Pools first team since returning from Derbyshire in December.
"Louis is probably going to have to get another loan to get some games in," Featherstone said.
"I think it's important at his age and his stage of development that he goes and plays week in, week out. Right now we can't offer Louis that, so I think instead of just being sat on a bench and not learning too much with us, I think it's massively important that he goes out and plays for three points, plays games where there's something on the line, plays with men and goes up against different types of wingers.
"We will be looking to try and get Louis a loan move. It's not a dislike of Louis, it's just what he needs at his stage of development right now."