Watford and Derby County goalkeepers make Berkshire moves as ex-Bristol Rovers stopper signs Maidenhead United contract extension

EFL Championship sides Watford and Derby County have seen fit to loan young goalkeepers to two Berkshire sides – Harvey Rees has joined Hungerford Town and Alfie Marriott has taken on the vacancy at Slough Town.

The Crusaders announced Rees’ capture on a ‘work experience’ loan on Tuesday and the stopper made his debut that evening in the 3-2 Berks & Bucks County FA Cup win over Chesham United.

A statement released by the club said: “Harvey joins us on a work experience loan from Derby County FC for the rest of the season. The goalkeeper links up with the squad as he continues his development, and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

The Welsh youngster is a goalkeeper in the Rams under 18 squad and had previously been with Swansea City at under 16 level.

Hungerford and manager Danny Robinson of course have history working with young goalkeepers, most notably Bristol Rovers Jed Ward who is currently on loan at Yeovil Town.

Related: Bristol Rovers West Berkshire connection that got the best out of two Gas youngsters

Slough Town’s need for a ‘keeper was much more urgent after number one Adam Desbois took the opportunity to join National League Gateshead – a division above the Rebels.

Desbois had been been a summer signing for Scott Davies’ side having spent the entirety of last season out with an ACL tear, having come through Reading under 18s and Brighton & Hove Albion under 23s.

Davies’ moved quickly to sign Watford’s 21-year-old stopper Alfie Marriott for the remainder of the season. Registered for the Hornets first team, Marriott has been with Watford since 2012 and been named on the bench in the EFL Championship.

Marriott has already featured three times for the Rebels, keeping a clean sheet in the 1-0 win at Bath City, as well as the 3-2 win at Hornchurch and 3-1 defeat at home to Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Across the M4 meanwhile, Maidenhead United have announced former Bristol Rovers and AZ Alkmaar Jordi van Stappershoef has signed a new contract at York Road. Manager Ryan Peters said of the Magpies Dutchman: “Jordi has been a breath of fresh air since joining us. He brings an air of professionalism and positivity to this talented group. He is low maintenance, never misses training or games and is incredibly reliable.  

“I am over the moon that he has chosen to stay on with us as I truly believe he is the best in the league.”