Stoke City have confirmed the loan signing of Jamie Donley from Tottenham Hotspur, with Thomas Frank hopeful this move to the Championship can further his development.
Donley impressed while on loan last season in League One with Leyton Orient, scoring a memorable goal against Manchester City in the FA Cup.
However, the Northern Irish attacker is looking to step up, and so he has opted to take a loan spell at Stoke City to help his Spurs future in the long term.
Stoke City are hopeful that this signing can help bolster their attacking options and that Donley will have a similar impact as Tom Cannon did last season.
Donley has already represented Northern Ireland at international level, so there is hope he can bring that international experience to Stoke City this season and use the ambition of playing in the World Cup to help his club performance.
Donley explains why he joined Stoke City
The 22-year-old has already spoken to the media team at Stoke City after signing for the Championship side from Spurs.
Donley has made it clear as to why he joined Stoke in his welcoming interview after agreeing to the loan deal, with Thomas Frank believing this move can help the development of his player.
He said: “I had a few teams after me, but I decided on Stoke when the gaffer [Mark Robins] called while I was away on tour.
“The way he wants to play, both in terms of attacking and defending, definitely suits me.
“I had a chat with Ash [Phillips] too, and he said it’s a great club with good people in the building, and he can definitely see me contributing to the team in a positive way.
“I’ve heard a lot about the coaching staff and how the manager improves young players. You can see that in the history he’s had in working with different teams.
“I enjoyed a really positive loan last year; I know about the pressure of men’s football now and how people look to you to contribute in games. I took to that pressure well, and I want to carry that on here at Stoke City.”
Jonathan Walters view on his latest signing
Jonathan Walters knows that there is still a need to strengthen the Stoke City squad despite the loan signing of Donley.
However, he seems pleased following his interview with the club media about the signing and what the Northern Irish international will bring to Stoke.
Speaking to the club website, he said: “Jamie was one of the standout players in League One last season, and, naturally, the number of goals and assists he produced made him a loan target for several Championship clubs this summer.
“That he’s been involved throughout pre-season for Tottenham Hotspur speaks volumes for how highly regarded he is by their coaching staff.
“It is, meanwhile, a testament to the work we have done with Ashley Phillips that Spurs believe Stoke City is the best place for Jamie to make an impact in the Championship.
“Jamie is technically talented with a clinical shooting and passing range. We are looking forward to seeing the impact he can make as a Stoke City player this season.”