Decision to let Tom Walker join Notts County on loan was a 'no-brainer', says Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver

The 24-year-old former Bolton Wanderers man joined the Sulphurites for an undisclosed fee from AFC Fylde in the summer, but has featured primarily as a substitute this term, starting just one League Two game.

Thus, when the National League Magpies made an enquiry about borrowing Walker with the guarantee of plenty of football, Weaver felt that accepting their offer would benefit both him and his player.

"Tom’s been frustrated, as you are when you’re not playing, and Notts County approached us and we thought it would be a good option for him," the Harrogate chief said.

“It’s a good club with a really good manager and assistant manager, who we know well, and they guaranteed him game-time. We couldn’t do that at the minute, we’ve got players playing well in the areas where Tom likes to play and we thought it was a no-brainer.

“It’s not easy in terms of the numbers [in the Harrogate squad], we could have been selfish and said you’ve got to stay on the bench and wait for your turn, but we’re not like that. We want him to play football to get match-fit and show what he’s about.”

Walker has made six starts since arriving at Harrogate, three in the EFL Trophy, one in the League Cup and one in the FA Cup. He has appeared from the substitutes' bench on six occasions.

His only League Two start came against Crawley on November 14, but he was substituted at half-time.

The former Salford City player is due to remain on loan with County until January 3.

On completing a move for Walker, Notts manager Neal Ardley said: “I’ve liked Tom for a while. We’ve looked at him several times, including in the summer but, for various reasons, we’ve not been able to get him.

“He’s got an exceptional goals and assists record at our level, both for AFC Fylde and Stockport, and we think the way we play will suit him.

“He’s quicker than he looks, he’s got a lovely left foot and a strong right foot which allows him to comfortably play on either wing.

“He can go past people, he’s clever and he’ll buy into the defensive responsibilities we give him

“It was an easy decision to make and, with nine games in the space of four weeks, he’s going to be really important to us.”