Defender Gavin Hoyte has joined West Midlands side Halesowen Town on loan until the New Year.

The 22-year-old joined Cambridge United from Bedford Town last season and made twelve first team appearances before joining eventual Southern League champions King's Lynn on loan for the final months of the season.

This season Wayne Hatswell and Phil Bolland have formed a solid central defensive partnership and Hoyte has yet to make a first team appearance, so this move will enable him to play competitive matches while still training with the U's.

"There have been a few clubs after Gavin and he and a few others needs to play games," explained Gary Brabin.

"Obviously we can't have them all going out on loan at the same time, but if it's right for the player and for me and the club then we feel it's a good decision to let them go out and play some competitive games. Too many times this season we've had to put people into the first team who haven't played any games and it's hard for them to get into the momentum.

"Danny Brown came straight in without playing a pre-season, Danny Crow's had to do it, Chris Holroyd and Phil Bolland too, and even Mark Convery to a degree after his injury. These are players who had no or very little pre-season games and it's tough going."

Brabin added that he hopes to address the lack of a reserve team by arranging some friendly fixtures: "We were hoping to get some behind-closed-door friendlies amongst various teams, but with the season just starting and teams having injuries like ourselves it hasn't been wise to do it so far.

"But we're hoping to get some sorted out soon so people can play some games. It will help the likes of Gav to go out on loan now and we can call him back if needed and hopefully he'll be match fit, as well as continuing his day-to-day training with ourselves."

Halesowen Town play in the British Gas Business Premier Division.

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