Official: Forde Joins York City On Loan

Exciting young forward Shaq Forde has joined National League side York City on loan until the end of the 2022/23 season, Watford FC confirms.

After impressing in the age groups during 2021/22, the 18-year-old made his senior Golden Boys debut against Leicester City in the Emirates FA Cup last January, and was ultimately recognised for his strong performances with the club’s Young Player of the Season award and a professional contract in July.

Having also enjoyed a successful loan spell at Kings Langley in the Southern League Premier Division South last term - before being recalled to join first-team training in April - Forde has continued to be involved in the senior set-up in the ongoing campaign despite injury limiting his playing time, being named on the bench against MK Dons in the Carabao Cup and Preston North End in the Sky Bet Championship.

Forde remains an integral part of Omer Riza’s Under-21 squad - scoring the opener in the Young Hornets’ 3-1 Premier League Cup win over Middlesbrough last time out - and he will now look to further his development with York in the English fifth tier.

The Minstermen - who last competed in the Football League between 2012/13 and 2015/16 - currently sit 16th in the league standings under manager David Webb, ahead of a trip to Gateshead on Monday (January 2, 3pm KO).

Go well, Shaq!