Brentford’s young right back Josh Clarke has joined Sky Bet League Two Barnet on loan. The 21-year-old completed the move to the North London side today, Thursday 15 October, and will be available for their match against York City on Saturday. He will stay with Barnet until 3 January 2016.
Lee Carsley, Brentford FC Head Coach, said: “Josh is at the stage of his development where he needs to play Football League matches. He is doing very well at Under-21 level and has shown potential in our First Team. This will give him the chance to play regularly and deal with the physical and mental pressures of league games every week.
“We have a good relationship with Barnet and we know they will help him improve. We want to build relationships with other local clubs in the future. I am sure the move will be of real benefit to Josh’s career and to Brentford when he returns to us.”
Josh has been with Brentford since 2011. Prior to signing a two-year scholarship at the age of 17 he was effectively playing park football. He completed his scholarship in 2013 and signed a professional contract, as part of the Development Squad.
The speedy right back, who can also play on the wing, made his Football League debut against Colchester United in Brentford’s penultimate game of the 2013/14 campaign. He made his First Team debut in the Capital One Cup defeat to Derby County in August 2013 and also featured in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie against Peterborough United soon after before making his league debut.
Josh signed a new contract in June 2015 to extend his stay at Griffin Park for a further 12 months. He made his Sky Bet Championship debut against Reading in August 2015 and has made four appearances for The Bees this season.