Stoke City had a busy summer transfer window, with Mark Robins making the most of his first real chance to dig his claws into the squad.
Stoke City have seen new signings like Divin Mubama and Sorba Thomas play key roles early on, but Mark Robins has been lauded for the levels he has got out of those who were already on the books too.
It has been a fine campaign to date for SCFC, who sit up in 3rd. After years of struggle since their Premier League drop, the Potters look to finally have a side that can duke it out towards the top of the division.
Solid recruitment has been key in this, as said before, but not all summer signings have flourished as hoped.
One man who has found chances hard to come by with Stoke City is Jamie Donley. And, with January now on the horizon, it is hard to see a world in which parent club Tottenham Hotspur don’t take action.
Jamie Donley’s Stoke City loan so far
Northern Ireland international Donley joined Stoke City following a fantastic loan spell with last season’s League One play-off final runners-up Leyton Orient. He was crucial in their surge up the division, producing remarkable moments of individual brilliance and all-around impressive play.
It meant the jump up to the Champioship was one many expected him to thrive in. A debut assist in a 3-1 opening day win over Derby County went about setting the right tone early on too.
However, since then, Donley has played just 61 minutes of Championship football. The Spurs loanee has not made a single league start, making three substitute appearances and being left out of the matchday squad by Robins completely for the last three games.
His only starts have come in the EFL Cup. It means that winter action from Spurs feels inevitable as they look to help their top attacking prospect salvage something from this season.
Jamie Donley’s Stoke City stats
January action inevitable over Jamie Donley’s Stoke City loan
Spurs know they have a big talent on their hands in versatile attacker Donley. He starred in their academy and tasted some first-team football in London before a stunning stint with Leyton Orient.
Given Ashley Phillips’ success at Stoke City, you can see why they trusted the Potters with Donley too. Phillips starred at SCFC last season and has reclaimed his starting spot this time around, fending off some strong competition for a place in Robins’ side.
It took time for Donley to get going at Orient, but three straight matchday squad omissions means it feels the writing is on the wall for the 20-year-old.