Moors have completed the signing of striker Sam Fishburn in a loan swap deal with Scunthorpe United which sees Will Harris head in the opposition direction.
Gateshead-born Fishburn, who turned 21 on Tuesday, came through the ranks at Carlisle United where a prolific season the club’s Under-18s earned him a professional deal in 2021.
The young front man further underlined his prowess in front of goal with a successful loan spell at Lancaster City and he was rewarded with a recall to Carlisle and senior debuts in the EFL Trophy and in League Two.
Fishburn then gained further senior experience during a loan spell at Blyth Spartans, before a productive stint in the colours of Morpeth Town where he again got among the goals.
The Cumbrians opted to release him at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, but Fleetwood Town moved quickly to sign him, and he went on to flourish in The Cod Army’s development team before finishing last term on loan at York City.
Scunthorpe snapped up the youngster when he became available un the summer and he has gone on to score twice in his 15 appearances in all competition so far this term.
“We had enquired about Sam’s availability and Scunthorpe had an interest in Will, so I think this is a deal which suits both clubs and both players,” explained Moors boss Graeme Lee.
“I have watched quite a bit of Sam this season because he’s played a few games for Scunthorpe and he’s someone who has definitely caught my eye.
“He’s a big and powerful front man with an eye for goal and there’s a hunger about the way he performs which I really like the look of.
“As well as all that, he’s a North East lad so it fits the bill for us on that front so we were keen to get the deal done and it will benefit both players hopefully.”
Fishburn has been handed squad number 23 and is eligible to make his Moors debut in Saturday’s National League North fixture against Buxton.
Meanwhile, Harris has travelled to link-up with the Scunthorpe squad and will be in contention to feature in their weekend game at home to Alfreton Town.
The agreement between the clubs will see the two players loaned out for the remainder of the 2024/25 season, though both deals are subject to a recall after the first 28 days.
