Ryan Schofield on a learning curve at AFC Telford
Teenage goalkeeper Ryan Schofield is backing himself to thrive in National League North and help AFC Telford United turn things around.
The 19-year-old is on loan from Premier League side Huddersfield Town until the end of the season.
He has played two games for the Bucks – losing 3-0 to Salford City and 5-3 to York City – and feels that tough introduction will make him a stronger shot-stopper.
“Getting game time is important and the main thing is helping Telford to win games, looking to keep clean sheets,” said Schofield.
“It really is a massive learning curve, something you don’t get with under-23s football. I had a spell in this league last year (on loan at FC United of Manchester) and it’s different – it’s men’s football.
“I don’t think it’s a bad league at all. The standard of football is very good. Men’s football is what all youngsters should want to be involved in.”
Schofield is contracted at the Terriers until 2019.
He helped England Under-20s win the Toulon Tournament last summer – making a crucial penalty shootout save in the final victory against the Ivory Coast – and went on Huddersfield’s pre-season trip to Austria.
Rob Edwards had been tracking the keeper for ‘quite a while’ before securing his signature.
On his first few weeks at Telford, who are in the National League North relegation zone, Schofield said: “It’s been great, the lads have been really welcoming.
“Obviously results haven’t gone our way in recent weeks, but the mood in the dressing room is still good.
“We’re going to Harrogate Town on Saturday and we’ll look to get the three points – as we always do.”
Schofield’s arrival means that Jas Singh, who had been ever-present, has been on the bench for the last two games.
He is relishing the battle with Singh for the Bucks’ No.1 jersey, and added: “Jas, it’s been great working with him in training.
“He’s a great goalkeeper and has a lot of experience at this level.
“ He’s been giving me some pointers – and I’ve been doing the same. It’s really good.”
Meanwhile, Telford are urging supporters to go along to the fans’ forum with chairman Andy Pryce tomorrow night.
It starts at 7pm inside the Learning Centre at the New Bucks Head.
