Archived News from July 2021
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STAGS SIGN RYAN STIRK ON LOAN FROM BIRMINGHAM
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Stags strengthen midfield with new signing
mansfieldtown.net, Tuesday 27th July 2021 We are delighted to announce the loan signing of Birmingham City midfielder Ryan Stirk on a deal that runs until the end of the season. Stirk, 20, is a graduate of the Blues’ academy and appeared on two occasions in the Sky Bet Championship last season. After joining the club full-time as a scholar, Stirk signed on professional terms - a three-year deal with an option to extend for a further year - in November 2017. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2021/july/stags-strengthen-midfield-with-new-signing/ He was also part of the Blues’ under-18 side that reached the FA Youth Cup semi-final in 2018. During the 2018/19 campaign, the midfielder made 23 appearances for Birmingham’s under-23s. Stirk has also represented Wales at under-16, under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels. Manager Nigel Clough said: “Ryan is a young midfielder, who played in the same Birmingham under-23s’ team as Ryan Burke. “He has some experience in the first team at Birmingham and shows a lot of potential. “Recent injuries to George Lapslie, Harry Charsley and Jason Law have highlighted that we could be a little light in this area. He’ll therefore give good competition in midfield.” --------------- Mansfield Town snap up Birmingham City youngster on season-long loan chad.co.uk, By John Lomas, Tuesday 27th July 2021 Mansfield Town today strengthened their midfield options with the loan signing of Birmingham City's Ryan Stirk. The 20-year-old is a graduate of the Blues’ academy and appeared on two occasions in the Sky Bet Championship last season. He has now signed a deal with Stags that runs until the end of the season. Manager Nigel Clough said: “Ryan is a young midfielder, who played in the same Birmingham U23s team as Ryan Burke. https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-snap-up-birmingham-city-youngster-on-season-long-loan-3325359 “He has some experience in the first team at Birmingham and shows a lot of potential. “Recent injuries to George Lapslie, Harry Charsley and Jason Law have highlighted that we could be a little light in this area. He’ll therefore give good competition in midfield.” After joining Birmingham City full-time as a scholar, Stirk signed on professional terms - a three-year deal with an option to extend for a further year - in November 2017. He was also part of the Blues’ U18 side that reached the FA Youth Cup semi-final in 2018. During the 2018/19 campaign, the midfielder made 23 appearances for Birmingham’s U23s. Born in Birmingham, Stirk qualifies to play for Wales through his maternal grandmother and has represented them at U16, U17, U19 and U21 levels. He is described by the Birmingham Mail as: “A diminutive but neat defensive midfielder who reads the game well and breaks up play before inviting team-mates into the play.” The youngster may not yet be the final summer signing for Mansfield Town With James Perch and Farrend Rawson behind on fitness after Covid isolation and Elliott Hewitt ill, Clough sent on striker Jordan Bowery as a centre half in the second half at Hull. So the manager revealed they may yet consider bringing in extra cover there as well. “We are talking to one at the moment, but if they're fit we've got a choice of three centre halves with Elliott, James Perch and Faz Rawson,” he said. "It would have to be someone to come in and challenge them. “As you can see from the size of the squad, we don't bring people in just for the sake of it.” -------------------- New boy Ryan Stirk promises hard work with Mansfield Town chad.co.uk New signing Ryan Stirk says Mansfield Town fans can expect plenty of hard work from him during his season-long loan from Birmingham City. The 20-year-old Wales U21 international has made two appearances in the SkyBet Championship for the Blues, both at the end of last season, and has now been sent to the One Call Stadium to assist his development having recently signed an extension to his deal at St Andrews. And the midfielder says he is looking forward to the challenge. He said: “It’s great to sign for a club of this stature. https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/new-boy-ryan-stirk-promises-hard-work-with-mansfield-town-3326617 “I’ve been at Birmingham now for quite a long time and it’s just great to get out on loan and get some experience at a club like this and hopefully play a lot of football this season. "The coaches in the academy at Birmingham have helped me develop into the player I am today and to be playing for the U23s, then to get a couple of games at the back end of last season for the first team. “That whetted my appetite for regular first team football and gave me a boost to play more games and I can’t wait to play men’s football now.” Stirk says he bent the ear of another new Stags signing, Ryan Burke, before making the move north, the pair having played together at Birmingham prior to Burke’s release earlier this year. Stirk said: “I’ve played with Ryan since I was 16 and in my scholar days at Birmingham and he’s a great lad. “I spoke to him on the phone a couple of days ago and he said what a great club it is, how he’s really enjoying his time here and that the gaffer has been really good with him, so I can’t wait to get working with him as well.” In terms of what Stags fans can expect from their new man, Stirk is clear on his role in the team. He said: “I play in a defensive central midfield role but I like to get the ball down and play forward as soon as I can after transition, or play into the striker’s feet as well as going for balls in behind and giving them opportunities. I always give 110 per cent every game and work hard to win the ball back. “I can either play at the bottom of a diamond in front of the back four, or left side of a three or the right side, I don’t mind. “Our coach at Birmingham likes the diamond as well so I know the roles well so hopefully I’ll fit in perfectly. “The people I’ve spoken to about League Two have said it’ll be the next step up for me in terms of physicality so I’ll need to be strong, but I’ll do that and get around the pitch to put challenges in, win second balls and win headers too. “I’ll have to come in and work for my place and if I get a chance I’ll take it. I’ll have to show the gaffer what I’m about and try to impress him enough to get a start.” -------------------- RYAN STIRK HEADS TO MANSFIELD TOWN ON LOAN https://www.bcfc.com/news/articles/2021/ryan-stirk-heads-to-mansfield-town-on-loan/ The midfielder heads to the One Call Stadium after terms were agreed on a standard season-long loan with the Stags. Stirk, 20, was a standout performer for the Under-23s last term as they went on to win the Professional Development League national title. He also stepped up to Lee Bowyer's team at the conclusion of the 2020/21 season, making his senior debut against Cardiff City in the Sky Bet Championship before backing up this composed performance in another start at Blackburn Rovers on the final day. He will now link up with Nigel Clough's side ahead of their League Two campaign to continue his development and secure further experience in the professional game. Good luck, Ryan! ------------------------- |
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