Ole Alexander Saue profiles a new signing for Southend…
On 15th January, Jake Cassidy signed for Southend United on loan for the rest of the season from Wolverhampton Wanderers. But what can his new side expect? Here is a look into the youngster’s career so far.
Jake Ashley Cassidy from Glan Conwy in North Wales is a 21-year-old striker who recently returned from a six-month-long loan spell at Notts County.
But Cassidy’s career starts long before 2014. After impressing for Welsh Alliance club Llandudno Junction, scoring 28 times in 32 appearances at the age of 16, the Welshman signed a contract with Welsh Premier League side Airbus UK Broughton FC in the summer of 2010.
However, after a couple of pre-season games the same summer, he caught the eye of English scouts and was immediately signed by Wolves.
Cassidy, who has featured 20 times for the West Midlands club without scoring a goal, has represented both Wales Under-19s and Under-21s, but has yet to make his debut for the seniors.
He signed his professional contract with Wolves – who played in the Premier League at the time – in 2011. After three loan spells at League Two side Tranmere Rovers, Ståle Solbakken handed him his Wolves debut in January 2013, in what turned out to be his final game as manager before he was sacked.
The tall striker spent the first half of the 2014/2015 campaign on loan at Notts County, scoring four goals in 20 appearances. According to Nottingham Post’s Notts County correspondent, Leigh Curtis, the young striker – who made his Southend debut against Oxford last weekend – will be a great addition to The Shrimpers.
“He’s a forward who likes to play with his back to goal. He’s not the type of striker who plays on the shoulder,” Curtis told Rising East. “He’ll without a doubt help Southend towards promotion. As long as the service is decent he will score bundles at that level.”
Southend United boss Phil Brown is looking forward to seeing what Cassidy will bring to the team as the 55-year-old aims for promotion to League One.
“I’m really pleased to have brought Jake to the football club,” Brown told the club’s official website.
“He’s scored goals at a higher level and despite his young age, has experience of playing games. It’s a fantastic signing for us,” he added.