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2021–22 Stoke City F.C. season

Stoke City 2021–22 football season From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The 2021–22 season was Stoke City's 105th season in the Football League, and the 45th in the second tier.[1]

Quick facts season, Joint-Chairman ...
Stoke City
2021–22 season
Joint-ChairmanJohn Coates and Peter Coates
ManagerMichael O'Neill
Stadiumbet365 Stadium
Championship14th
FA CupFifth round
EFL CupFourth round
Top goalscorerLeague: Jacob Brown
(13)

All: Jacob Brown
(14)
Highest home attendance26,384 v Blackpool
(5 March 2022)
Lowest home attendance17,720 v Swansea City
(8 February 2022)
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Stoke had a busy summer transfer window with the permanent departure of 13 players, which enabled O'Neill to make several new additions to his squad. A new look squad began the season well, gaining 35 points from the first 23 matches and they were just outside the play-off places at the turn of the year. However a poor run of results from January saw Stoke drop down the league and finish in a mid-table position for a fourth consecutive season.

Pre-season

Stoke announced their retained list on 1 June 2021 with Jordan Cousins the only senior player leaving whilst James Chester and John Obi Mikel signed one-year contract extensions.[2] The club also posted a £87 million loss during the COVID-19 hit 2019–20 season with the losses blamed on the pandemic and "writing down" the value of the squad.[3] Stoke were able to move on a number of players in the summer transfer window including, Benik Afobe, Moritz Bauer, Jordan Cousins, Peter Etebo, Lee Gregory, Mikel John Obi, Liam Lindsay, Bruno Martins Indi, Badou Ndiaye, Lasse Sørensen, Sam Vokes, Kevin Wimmer and Ryan Woods whilst Nathan Collins moved to Burnley for an estimated £12 million.[4] Coming into the squad were goalkeeper Jack Bonham, striker Sam Surridge, midfielder Mario Vrančić and defender Ben Wilmot.

The Stoke squad returned to Clayton Wood for pre-season on 28 June 2021.[5] They played a behind closed doors game against Scottish side Hibernian which ended in a 1–1 draw.[6] Michael O'Neill then took a selected group of players for a week long training camp in Belfast.[7] Stoke ended their week in Belfast with a 6–0 win over Linfield.[8] On their return to England, Stoke beat Crewe Alexandra 3–2 at Gresty Road.[9] Stoke then beat Aston Villa 2–0, lost 2–1 at Wigan Athletic before ending their pre-season schedule with a 1–1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers.[10][11]

More information Date, Opponent ...
DateOpponentVenueResultScorersReport
9 July 2021HibernianH1–1Doughty 45'Report
17 July 2021LinfieldA6–0Brown (3), Fletcher, Powell, Wright-PhillipsReport
20 July 2021Crewe AlexandraA3–2Batth 1', Fletcher 27', Powell 44'Report
24 July 2021Aston VillaH2–0Fletcher 4', Vrančić 49'Report
27 July 2021Wigan AthleticA1–2Ince 42'Report
31 July 2021Wolverhampton WanderersH1–1Batth 27'Report
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Championship

August

Stoke began the season at home to Reading with supporters allowed back into stadiums for the first time since March 2020. Nick Powell scored the opening goal in the 25th minute but Reading equalised immediately through John Swift. Jacob Brown then nutmegged Rafael Cabral to restore Stoke's lead. Liam Moore brought the Royals back level before new signing Sam Surridge scored on his debut to earn Stoke a 3–2 victory and their first opening day win since 2009.[12] The first away match of the season saw Stoke and Birmingham City cancel each other out in a goalless draw.[13] They then put in an impressive performance away at last seasons beaten play-off finalists Swansea City, winning 3–1 with goals from Powell, Clucas and Østigård whilst Joël Piroe scored a late consolation for the Swans.[14] Stoke continued their good start to the season with a 1–0 win against Nottingham Forest, Josh Tymon scoring his first goal for the club.[15] City suffered their first defeat of the campaign on 28 August going down 3–0 at promotion favourites Fulham.[16] On transfer deadline day Stoke brought in right-back Demeaco Duhaney on a short-term contract and forward Abdallah Sima on loan from Brighton.[17]

September

After the international break Stoke faced Huddersfield Town. After the Terriers had taken the lead through Harry Toffolo just after half-time Stoke responded with Brown heading in a corner and an own goal from Matty Pearson which earned Stoke a 2–1 win and their best start to a season for 17 years.[18] Stoke played Barnsley four days later and drew 1–1 with a Cauley Woodrow free-kick cancelling out Surridge's opener. The match ended in unsavoury fashion as after Tommy Smith had been sent-off for a foul on Claudio Gomes, tempers boiled over and a scuffle between coaching staff and players resulted in two Stoke staff and one Barnsley staff being dismissed.[19] Stoke were then beaten 2–1 by Derby County who had announced their intention to enter administration the day before.[20] Stoke bounced back with a 2–0 win against Hull City with Vrančić scoring his first goal for the club and Powell scoring a long range free-kick.[21] Stoke missed several chances away at Preston North End with a Benjamin Whiteman free-kick cancelling out Powell's early header.[22]

October

In the Midlands derby against West Bromwich Albion Stoke produced a dominant performance but were again guilty of poor finishing including a missed penalty from Surridge but with ten minutes remaining Powell lobbed Baggies keeper Sam Johnstone to earn Stoke a 1–0 victory.[23][24] After the international break Stoke lost 2–1 at Sheffield United and 1–0 to league leaders AFC Bournemouth.[25][26] They then lost a third match in a row, 2–1 away at Millwall despite Romaine Sawyers giving them a 20th minute lead.[27] Stoke ended a unproductive October by blowing a three goal lead at home to Cardiff City in a 3–3 draw.[28]

November

Stoke responded by winning back-to back away games 1–0 against Blackpool and Luton Town.[29] During the international break Stoke announced that Chief Executive Tony Scholes will be leaving to club in January after 17 years in the role.[30] Stoke suffered a major injury blow as Harry Souttar was ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury playing for Australia.[31] After the break Stoke beat newly promoted Peterborough United 2–0 with goals from Vrancic and Tyrese Campbell.[32] Four days later poor finishing cost them as they fell to a 1–0 defeat at Bristol City.[33] Stoke dropped out of the play-off places at the end of November at the expense of Blackburn Rovers who beat them 1–0, Reda Khadra scoring the only goal.[34]

December

Stoke beat Queens Park Rangers 2–0 on 5 December in what was their first win in London since October 2014.[35] City then played out a drab goalless draw against Middlesbrough.[36] Stoke's matches against Coventry City and Barnsley was postponed following a COVID-19 outbreak at the club.[37] They ended 2021 with a poor 2–1 defeat against Derby County.[38]

January

Stoke began a busy January with a second consecutive 2–1 home defeat this time against Preston North End where goals from Brad Potts and Andrew Hughes cancelled out a 35-yard strike from Ben Wilmot.[39] City beat Hull City 2–0 with goals from goals from Brown and Ince.[40] A week later Stoke faced league leaders Fulham at home. They made a great start with D'Margio Wright-Phillips scoring his first league goal in the opening minute but Rodrigo Muniz levelled straight from the restart. Muniz scored again to put Fulham in front before half time before Lewis Baker equalised from long range. Fulham went on to win the game 3–2 through Bobby Decordova-Reid.[41] Stoke lost 1–0 at Coventry on 25 January as poor defending gifted Viktor Gyökeres the only goal.[42] They ended January with a 1–1 draw at Huddersfield Town.[43]

Stoke were very active the January transfer window with Danny Batth, Adam Davies and Sam Surridge leaving the club permanently whilst Alfie Doughty and Tom Ince left on loan. Coming into the team were Lewis Baker, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Phil Jagielka, Josh Maja, Liam Moore and Jaden Philogene.[44]

February

Stoke dominated the next match against Swansea City with goals from Philogene, Baker and Brown earning the side a comfortable 3–0 victory.[45] Stoke then played out an entertaining 2–2 draw against Nottingham Forest. Brennan Johnson gave Forest the lead before Maja scored his first league goal for the club. Brice Samba was then sent-off after conceding a penalty which was converted by Baker but Ryan Yates scored in stoppage time to deny Stoke the win.[46] Stoke then drew 2–2 with Birmingham City and lost 2–1 to Luton and Bournemouth as they ended February in 15th position.[47][48][49]

March

Stoke's poor form continued into March with a third straight league defeat, 1–0 against Blackpool prompting an angry reaction from supporters.[50] The team then played away at the leagues bottom two clubs, Barnsley and Peterborough United and drew both matches and were also beaten by Cardiff City.[51][52][53] Stoke ended their nine match winless run with a 2–0 win over Millwall on 19 March.[54] During the international break it was announced by joint chairman John Coates that the clubs owners, bet365 Group, have converted £40m of loans into equity in the club's holding company, and waived £120m of shareholder loans.[55]

April

An own goal from Sheffield United centre-back John Egan gave the Potters a second consecutive home victory.[56] They then lost 2–1 at relegation-threatened Reading.[57] Stoke then beat Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion 3–1, with goals from Baker, Brown and an own goal from Jake Livermore.[58] On Good Friday Stoke played Bristol City in a match of poor quality a late cross-cum-shot from Jay Dasilva looped over Jack Bonham to earn the Robins the win.[59] On Easter Monday Stoke beat Blackburn Rovers 1–0 at Ewood Park with an early goal from Jacob Brown.[60] They followed this up with another 1–0 win against Queens Park Rangers, Brown again scoring the only goal.[61] The last away match of the season saw City beaten by play-off chasing Middlesbrough.[62]

May

For the final match of the 2021–22 season against Coventry City, O'Neill gave a debut to academy prospect Tom Sparrow. Coventry took the lead in the 14th minute through Viktor Gyökeres before Sam Clucas earned Stoke a point just before half time. Stoke ended another disappointing season in 14th position, a fourth consecutive bottom half finish.[63]

Results

More information Match, Date ...
MatchDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceScorersReport
17 August 2021ReadingH3–219,068Powell 25', Brown 28', Surridge 85'Report
214 August 2021Birmingham CityA0–010,189Report
317 August 2021Swansea CityA3–115,927Powell 15', Clucas 53', Østigård 60'Report
421 August 2021Nottingham ForestH1–021,346Tymon 66'Report
528 August 2021FulhamA0–316,791Report
611 September 2021Huddersfield TownH2–120,447Brown 50', Pearson 63' (o.g.)Report
715 September 2021BarnsleyH1–117,832Surridge 17'Report
818 September 2021Derby CountyA1–220,545Ince 58'Report
925 September 2021Hull CityH2–020,124Vrančić 35', Powell 58'Report
1028 September 2021Preston North EndA1–110,930Powell 6'Report
111 October 2021West Bromwich AlbionH1–022,703Powell 79'Report
1216 October 2021Sheffield UnitedA1–228,576Brown 55'Report
1319 October 2021BournemouthH0–118,427Report
1423 October 2021MillwallA1–212,896Sawyers 20'Report
1530 October 2021Cardiff CityH3–321,413Brown 9', Fletcher (2) 16', 46'Report
163 November 2021BlackpoolA1–012,297Fletcher 79'Report
176 November 2021Luton TownA1–010,068Brown 34'Report
1820 November 2021Peterborough UnitedH2–021,285Vrančić 3', Campbell 90+6'Report
1924 November 2021Bristol CityA0–116,949Report
2027 November 2021Blackburn RoversH0–121,739Report
215 December 2021Queens Park RangersA2–013,968Campbell 14', Vrančić 78'Report
2211 December 2021MiddlesbroughH0–021,140Report
2330 December 2021Derby CountyH1–222,235Ince 78'Report
243 January 2022Preston North EndH1–220,002Wilmot 46'Report
2616 January 2022Hull CityA2–011,067Brown 22', Ince 50'Report
2622 January 2022FulhamH2–321,749Wright-Phillips 1', Baker 58'Report
2725 January 2022Coventry CityA0–116,860Report
2828 January 2022Huddersfield TownA1–116,342Brown 78'Report
298 February 2022Swansea CityH3–017,720Philogene 47', Baker 58' (pen), Brown 78'Report
3012 February 2022Nottingham ForestA2–228,990Maja 68', Baker 88' (pen)Report
3119 February 2022Birmingham CityH2–223,502Campbell (2) 25', 52'Report
3223 February 2022Luton TownH1–218,270Baker 90+2'Report
3326 February 2022BournemouthA1–29,613Smith 20'Report
345 March 2022BlackpoolH0–126,384Report
358 March 2022BarnsleyA1–112,512Baker 90+5'Report
3612 March 2022Peterborough UnitedA2–29,060Brown 28', Baker 84' (pen)Report
3716 March 2022Cardiff CityA1–217,184Baker 23'Report
3819 March 2022MillwallH2–020,526Brown 19', Saville 70' (o.g.)Report
392 April 2022Sheffield UnitedH1–022,631Egan 77' (o.g.)Report
405 April 2022ReadingA1–29,928Sawyers 44'Report
419 April 2022West Bromwich AlbionA3–122,761Livermore 16' (o.g.), Brown 59', Baker 90+4'Report
4215 April 2022Bristol CityH0–120,298Report
4318 April 2022Blackburn RoversA1–013,428Brown 4'Report
4423 April 2022Queens Park RangersH1–019,251Brown 45'+1Report
4530 April 2022MiddlesbroughA1–324,942Powell 90+4'Report
467 May 2022Coventry CityH1–123,086Clucas 43'Report
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League table

More information Pos, Pld ...
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
11 Queens Park Rangers 46 19 9 18 60 59 +1 66
12 Coventry City 46 17 13 16 60 59 +1 64
13 Preston North End 46 16 16 14 52 56 −4 64
14 Stoke City 46 17 11 18 57 52 +5 62
15 Swansea City 46 16 13 17 58 68 −10 61
16 Blackpool 46 16 12 18 54 58 −4 60
17 Bristol City 46 15 10 21 62 77 −15 55
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Source: EFL Official Website
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored; 4) Head-to-head results; 5) Wins; 6) Away goals; 7) Penalty points (sec 9.5); 8) 12-point sending off offences[64]

FA Cup

Stoke were drawn at home to EFL League Two side Leyton Orient in the third round of the FA Cup and won 2–0 with goals from Tom Ince and Tyrese Campbell.[65] League One side Wigan Athletic were the opponents in the fourth round and Stoke again won 2–0 with goals from debutant Josh Maja and Jacob Brown.[66] Stoke were knocked out in the fifth round 2–1, away at Crystal Palace.[67]

More information Round, Date ...
RoundDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceScorersReport
R39 January 2022Leyton OrientH2–05,269Ince 43', Campbell 89'Report
R45 February 2022Wigan AthleticH2–012,641Maja 14', Brown 62'Report
R51 March 2022Crystal PalaceA1–225,420Tymon 58'Report
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EFL Cup

Stoke were drawn at home to Fleetwood Town in the first round, and won the match 2–1 with goals from Sam Surridge and Harry Souttar.[68] In the second round against Doncaster Rovers goals from Tom Ince and Sam Surridge helped the team to a 2–0 victory.[69] Stoke overcame Premier League side Watford 3–1 in the third round with goals from Powell, Clucas and Tymon.[70] In the fourth round, City were knocked out 2–1 by Brentford.[71]

More information Round, Date ...
RoundDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceScorersReport
R110 August 2021Fleetwood TownH2–14,694Surridge 45', Souttar 77'Report
R224 August 2021Doncaster RoversH2–06,193Ince 38', Surridge 48'Report
R321 September 2021WatfordA3–18,421Powell 25', Clucas 80', Tymon 85'Report
R427 October 2021BrentfordH1–29,584Sawyers 57'Report
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Squad statistics

More information No., Pos. ...
No. Pos. Name Championship FA Cup EFL Cup Total Discipline
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
1GKWales Adam Davies 120003015030
2DFEngland Tommy Smith 30(2)1100031(2)161
3DFWales Morgan Fox 9(1)01(1)01011(2)011
4MFWales Joe Allen 38(3)0300041(3)071
5DFWales James Chester 16(1)0203021(1)010
6DFEngland Danny Batth 10(1)0002012(1)040
6DFJamaica Liam Moore 4020006000
7MFEngland Sam Clucas 16(9)21(1)01(1)118(11)360
8MFBosnia and Herzegovina Mario Vrančić 24(6)30(2)00(3)024(11)330
9FWScotland Steven Fletcher 16(19)30(2)01(2)017(23)320
10FWEngland Tyrese Campbell 10(16)41(2)11012(18)520
11MFEngland Alfie Doughty 0(11)010405(11)020
12GKEngland Josef Bursik 190101021010
13GKRepublic of Ireland Jack Bonham 150200017000
14DFEngland Josh Tymon 4412(1)12148(1)370
15MFNorthern Ireland Jordan Thompson 12(6)0204018(6)050
16DFEngland Ben Wilmot 31(4)1102035(4)1110
18FWScotland Jacob Brown 38(7)131(2)12(2)041(11)1470
19DFNorway Leo Østigård 12(1)1002014(1)150
19DFEngland Phil Jagielka 200000020010
20MFEngland Tashan Oakley-Boothe 0000000000
21DFEngland Demeaco Duhaney 3010206010
22FWEngland Sam Surridge 6(14)2003(1)29(15)441
23MFEngland Tom Ince 4(7)3112(1)17(8)520
24DFEngland Taylor Harwood-Bellis 220200024030
25MFEngland Nick Powell 14(4)6201117(4)720
26DFEngland Will Forrester 3000003000
27FWSenegal Abdallah Sima 1(1)0000(2)01(3)000
28MFSaint Kitts and Nevis Romaine Sawyers 19(6)2102(1)122(7)320
29GKEngland Frank Fielding 0000000000
32MFEngland D'Margio Wright-Phillips 6(4)120008(4)100
33FWNigeria Josh Maja 9(6)1210011(6)210
36DFAustralia Harry Souttar 160002118130
37FWEngland Emre Tezgel 000(2)0000(2)000
38MFEngland Adam Porter 0000202000
39MFWales Tom Sparrow 1000001000
42MFEngland Lewis Baker 20(1)8000020(1)810
44FWWales Christian Norton 00001(1)01(1)000
47FWEngland Jaden Philogene 6(5)100006(5)100
Own goals —4—0—0—4—
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Transfers

In

More information Date, Pos. ...
Date Pos. Name From Fee Ref.
24 June 2021 DF England Ben Wilmot England Watford Undisclosed [72]
28 June 2021 DF Wales Matt Baker England Gillingham Undisclosed [73]
29 June 2021 DF Northern Ireland Josh Roney Northern Ireland Linfield Undisclosed [74]
1 July 2021 GK Republic of Ireland Jack Bonham England Gillingham Free [75]
5 July 2021 MF Bosnia and Herzegovina Mario Vrančić England Norwich City Free [76]
16 July 2021 DF Scotland Logan Laird England Exeter City Free [77]
4 August 2021 FW England Sam Surridge England AFC Bournemouth Undisclosed [78]
31 August 2021 DF England Demeaco Duhaney England Huddersfield Town Free [79]
1 September 2021 FW England Max McCarthy England Congleton Town Undisclosed [80]
1 December 2021 GK England Frank Fielding England Millwall Free [81]
15 January 2022 MF England Lewis Baker England Chelsea Undisclosed [82]
16 January 2022 DF England Phil Jagielka England Derby County Free [83]
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Out

More information Date, Pos. ...
Date Pos. Name To Fee Ref.
28 May 2021 DF Austria Kevin Wimmer Austria SK Rapid Wien Free [84]
9 June 2021 DF Scotland Liam Lindsay England Preston North End Undisclosed [85]
23 June 2021 MF England Ryan Woods England Birmingham City Free [86][87]
24 June 2021 DF Republic of Ireland Nathan Collins England Burnley Undisclosed [88]
30 June 2021 GK England Paul Cooper England Matlock Town Released [89][90]
30 June 2021 DF Republic of Ireland Ryan Corrigan England Southport Released [89][91]
30 June 2021 DF England Jordan Cousins England Wigan Athletic Released [92][93]
30 June 2021 FW England Kevin Fernandes — Released [89]
30 June 2021 FW Belgium Andre Godfrinne — Rejected contract [89]
30 June 2021 DF England Jamie Melbourne — Released [89]
30 June 2021 DF Wales Henry Nash England York City Released [89][94]
30 June 2021 DF England Julius Ndene — Released [89]
30 June 2021 DF England Tom Nixon England Hull City Released [89][95]
30 June 2021 FW England Jai Verma — Released [89]
1 July 2021 DF Austria Moritz Bauer Russia FC Ufa Undisclosed [96]
1 July 2021 MF Nigeria John Obi Mikel Kuwait Kuwait SC Free [97][98]
5 July 2021 DF Netherlands Bruno Martins Indi Netherlands AZ Alkmaar Undisclosed [99]
22 July 2021 MF Senegal Badou Ndiaye Greece Aris Thessaloniki Free [100]
23 July 2021 MF Denmark Lasse Sørensen England Lincoln City Undisclosed [101]
28 July 2021 FW Wales Sam Vokes England Wycombe Wanderers Undisclosed [102]
5 August 2021 FW England Lee Gregory England Sheffield Wednesday Undisclosed [103]
17 August 2021 MF Republic of Ireland James McClean England Wigan Athletic Free [104]
18 January 2022 DF England Danny Batth England Sunderland Free [105]
25 January 2022 GK Wales Adam Davies England Sheffield United Undisclosed [106]
31 January 2022 GK England Nathan Broome England AFC Wimbledon Free [107]
31 January 2022 FW England Sam Surridge England Nottingham Forest Undisclosed [108]
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Loans in

More information Date from, Pos. ...
Date from Pos. Name From Date to Ref.
10 August 2021 DF Norway Leo Østigård England Brighton & Hove Albion 5 January 2022 [109][a]
20 August 2021 MF Saint Kitts and Nevis Romaine Sawyers England West Bromwich Albion End of season [111]
31 August 2021 FW Senegal Abdallah Sima England Brighton & Hove Albion End of season [112]
11 January 2022 DF England Taylor Harwood-Bellis England Manchester City End of season [113]
21 January 2022 FW England Jaden Philogene England Aston Villa End of season [114]
31 January 2022 FW Nigeria Josh Maja France Bordeaux End of season [115]
31 January 2022 DF Jamaica Liam Moore England Reading End of season [116]
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  1. On 5 January 2022, Leo Østigård was recalled to parent club Brighton.[110]

Loans out

More information Date from, Pos. ...
Date from Pos. Name To Date to Ref.
17 June 2021 DF England Connor Taylor England Bristol Rovers End of season [117][118]
2 July 2021 FW Democratic Republic of the Congo Benik Afobe England Millwall End of season [119]
9 July 2021 MF Nigeria Peter Etebo England Watford End of season [120]
16 July 2021 GK Cameroon Blondy Nna Noukeu England Crawley Town 1 January 2022 [121][122]
20 July 2021 FW Republic of Ireland Ethon Varian Scotland Raith Rovers 1 January 2022 [123]
11 August 2021 FW England Will Goodwin England Hartlepool United 1 January 2022 [124]
31 August 2021 FW Wales Christian Norton England Cheltenham Town January 2022 [125]
31 August 2021 DF England Will Forrester England Mansfield Town January 2022 [126][127]
31 August 2021 DF Wales Eddy Jones England Hartlepool United January 2022 [128]
15 October 2021 MF Wales Tom Sparrow England AFC Telford United November 2021 [129]
5 November 2021 MF England Adam Porter England Altrincham 3 December 2021 [130]
29 January 2022 MF England Alfie Doughty Wales Cardiff City End of season [131]
31 January 2022 MF England Tom Ince England Reading End of season [116]
1 February 2022 DF Republic of Ireland David Okagbue England Chester March 2021 [132]
4 February 2022 DF Wales Eddy Jones England Altrincham End of season [133]
5 February 2022 MF England Pat Jarrett England AFC Telford United End of season [134]
8 February 2022 DF Scotland Lewis Macari Republic of Ireland Dundalk End of season [135]
17 February 2022 DF England Tom Edwards United States New York Red Bulls End of season [136]
24 February 2022 DF England Kieran Coates Republic of Ireland Cork City End of season [137]
24 March 2022 FW England Douglas James-Taylor England AFC Fylde End of season [138]
25 March 2022 GK England Frank Fielding England Salford City 1 April 2022 [139]
Close

References

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