Boss Rob Edwards backing Ryan Leak to be a hit at AFC Telford
Rob Edwards believes new AFC Telford United signing Ryan Leak will shine in National League North after a fruitful loan spell at another side in the county.
Centre-half Leak, 19, has joined the Bucks on loan from Wolves until the end of the season.
He spent the first half of this term at Welsh Premier champions The New Saints, impressing for Scott Ruscoe’s table-toppers.
“He’s someone that I know well from my time at Wolves, when I worked with the under-18s there,” said Edwards.
“He has progressed well through the Wolves Academy and he played well at TNS for the first part of this season.
“Ryan is left-footed so that brings balance to the defensive line.
“It’s not just about him being left-footed, though. He is a very good player that is ready for this league. He’s got a great attitude and I feel he can add a lot to us.”
Leak grew up in Chasetown before joining Wolves at a young age.
He was nominated for academy player of the 2015/16 season and was a regular in their under-23s Premier League 2 side before going to TNS. He has played for Wales Under-19s too.
Leak is the fourth Wolves player – and fourth defender – to be sent to Telford this campaign. He follows in the footsteps of Connor Johnson, Aaron Hayden and Aaron Simpson.
Right-back Simpson has since returned to Molineux after a lack of game time for Edwards’ side.
Hayden remains with the Bucks but would be allowed to return to Wolves, to then potentially secure a move elsewhere, if it is in the best interests of all parties.
“We’ll have to see and monitor the situation,” said Edwards. “I had a chat with Aaron and said to him that if an opportunity comes up for him somewhere else, I won’t stand in his way.”
“He hasn’t been playing a lot of football so, as I say, I won’t stand in the way if another opportunity comes up for him.”
“The situation there hasn’t changed.”
