Bristol City youngster Tommy Backwell is set to leave Ashton Gate and join Cheltenham Town on loan for the remainder of the season.
As first called by our sister publication Gloucestershire Live, the 21-year-old is set to officially link up with the League Two side, having spent a period on trial at The EV Charger Points Stadium.
The midfielder is understood to have taken part in an 11 vs 11 training match with Michael Flynn’s side at Bishop Cleeve’s Kayte Lane ground last Tuesday and is believed to have done enough to earn a temporary move up the M5.
Backwell penned professional terms with City in the summer of 2022 and agreed on a one-year extension with Liam Manning’s side at the end of last season.
Although the youngster has yet to make a competitive first-team appearance for the Robins, he has featured on the Reds’ bench in the last few seasons in both the FA Cup and Championship while also playing for and occasionally captaining the Under-21 side.
Manning’s side are well stocked in the middle of the park at this moment, with Max Bird, Jason Knight, George Earthy and Marcus McGuane fighting it out for a starting role. That depth is also expected to be boosted further in the near future, with the City head coach confirming Joe Williams is closing in on a return from injury.
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So far, most of Backwell’s football has been played at a youth level, but he does have some senior experience under his belt having enjoyed loan spells with Yate Town and Hallen. He also joined Bath City for a short spell but was unable to really make an impact at Twerton Park.
Cheltenham currently sit 13th in the League Two table, nine points adrift of Doncaster Rovers who occupy the final spot in the play-off places. Flynn’s side also booked their place in the last eight of the Football League Trophy on Tuesday evening with a 2-1 win over Colchester United.
Backwell’s arrival will likely help the Robins cope with the loss of Joel Colwill. The Cardiff City loanee spent the first half of the season in Gloucestershire but was recalled by the Bluebirds. While Bristol Rovers were understood to be interested in his services, the Welshman instead joined Exeter City for the remainder of the campaign.