Zach Robinson continued his prolific campaign with a double blast for Leatherhead on Tuesday night and his impressive form has resulted in his loan deal being extended for the rest of this season.
Leatherhead are chasing a play-off place in the BetVictor Isthmian League Premier Division after the 4-0 win against Potters Bar Town on Tuesday night, a match in which 17-year-old Zach struck twice.
Manager Nikki Bull is therefore delighted to keep Zach at his club for the rest of 2019/20. “We are delighted that Zach will be staying with us until the end of the season,” he said. “We have already seen growth and development in his game during the short time to date that he’s been with us. The relationship we are growing with AFC Wimbledon is so important to non league clubs like ours and we are so grateful that the club are entrusting us with some of their fine young talents.
“I have always believed there comes a point in any young player’s career when academy football isn’t enough and the players have to be put into an environment where three points on a Saturday afternoon really matter. It is great for our club when we see Tommy Wood scoring goals for us one week and then making his league debut the next week. If Zach continues to work hard day in, day out, then I definitely feel he will also one day get his opportunity in the first-team.”
Our Lead Professional Phase Coach and Loans manager Mark Robinson added: "Zach is a good example of how we hope the loan system can work. He was averaging over a goal a game in Under-18 football, so I sent him out to Basingstoke after speaking to Terry Brown. It took Zach a few games to adapt to men’s football, but then he couldn’t stop scoring.
“Dan Brownlie, manager at Basingstoke, was great with him and the fans loved him. When I had to take Tommy Wood back from Leatherhead, I said to Nikki Bull that we had a lad who will carry on scoring goals for him, but he may need a little patience initially. Zach stepped up another level and once again he took a few games to adapt, but Bully was good with him. Now Zach has scored five goals in four games. It's right for future relationships and his continued development that he now spends a longer spell with Leatherhead, unless he’s called back for first-team duty. We hope he can continue to help Leatherhead into a play-off position. Zach is still only 17 and I am confident he will stay focused and keep working hard."