West Brom agree terms for midfielder loan exit to Stourbridge, one hurdle to overcome

West Bromwich Albion has reached an agreement to loan young central midfielder Matt Richards to Stourbridge for a short-term arrangement. Stourbridge, competing in the Southern League Premier Division Central, officially confirmed the news via their Twitter page on Wednesday, December 20.

Reece Hall and Matt Richards have agreed short-term loan moves to @HerefordFC and @StourbridgeFC respectively. ✍️

Good luck, lads! 🫡

— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) December 20, 2023

Pending approval from the EFL, Richards is set to join Stourbridge until January 16. Despite regularly featuring for West Brom’s Premier League 2 side and earning the title of Academy Player of the Season in 2021-22, Richards has yet to break into the senior level at The Hawthorns.

🔴 𝙍𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚! ⚪️

We’re pleased to have signed Matt Richards on a short term loan from @WBA – subject to EFL ratification 🤩

The young centre mid is highly thought of at the Hawthorns, having picked up academy player of the season in 2021/22 😮‍💨

Welcome to… pic.twitter.com/eWjIKMS7wh

— Stourbridge FC (@StourbridgeFC) December 20, 2023

This move to Stourbridge offers Richards a natural opportunity to experience more consistent senior football, at least for the next month. If all goes well, there’s a possibility that West Brom may extend Richards’ loan at the War Memorial Ground for the remainder of the season.

At the age of 19, Richards is approaching a stage where he could contend for a first-team position in the near future, provided he demonstrates sufficient skill. This descent to lower divisions is anticipated to give him the chance to prove his readiness under the management of Carlos Corberan.