Wigan Athletic's Tobias Brenan says there is 'no reason why' he can't help Harrogate Town fight their way out of trouble
Harrogate Town's latest January recruit Tobias Brenan says there is "no reason why" he and his new team-mates cannot escape the position they are in at the bottom of League Two.
The 19-year-old central midfielder has joined the struggling Sulphurites on loan for the rest of 2025/26 from League One outfit Wigan Athletic and was unveiled on transfer deadline day.
Highly-rated by Latics boss Ryan Lowe and Gregor Rioch, the club's sporting director, who both describe him as a young talent with "a very bright future", Brenan has made 11 first-team appearances (10 starts) for the Lancashire side this season.
But, in the short term, the player himself insists that he is ready to come in and make a difference at Wetherby Road.
"I just want to get out and play games," Brenan said. “I’m ready to play, I feel fit, energetic and want to show what I’m about.
"There’s still a lot of games left this season and there’s no reason we can’t get out of the position we are in. So, I’ll be doing all I can to help."
Formerly the captain of Oxford United's Under-18s, Brenan joined Wigan following a successful trial period and became a mainstay of their Under-21s' team in the Professional Development League last season.
Having caught the eye, he ended up training with Lowe’s first-team during pre-season and did enough to force his way into the Latics' starting line-up for their 3-1 opening-day win over Northampton.
Brenan went on to appear in another four League One fixtures, and has also featured in FA Cup, League Cup and EFL Trophy ties in recent months, with his form sufficient to see him handed a new three-year deal in October.
"Tobias has been excellent since coming into the group,” said boss Lowe after that contract was agreed. “From pre-season onwards, he’s shown real quality and a great attitude every day in training.
“He’s taken his chance really well and handled the step up to senior football with confidence and maturity. This new deal is a reward for the hard work he’s put in and the progress he’s made in a short space of time.
“We’re all really pleased for him – he’s got a brilliant mindset, and if he keeps developing the way he has been, he’s got a very bright future here with us.”
Brenan becomes Harrogate's eighth signing of the January window and follows goalkeeper Henry Gray, defenders Grant Horton, Chanse Headman and Cathal Heffernan, winger Emmerson Sutton and forwards Emile Acquah and Aiden Marsh into the Exercise Stadium.
He will be available to make his Town debut during Tuesday night’s League Two fixture against Swindon, subject to FA and EFL approval.