Chorley swoop for North End young goalkeeper Stowell on loan
Goalkeeper Li-Bau Stowell is looking to take his career to the next level after signing a season-long loan deal with Chorley.
The 18-year-old is a graduate of Preston North End’s youth system and signed a three-year professional deal in 2025.
Last season, he spent time on loan at Northern Premier League outfit Hyde United.
His impressive performances helped the Tigers avoid relegation from and also caught the attention of Magpies boss Andy Preece.
Chorley have been forced to reinforce their goalkeeping department this summer following the retirement of long-serving Matty Urwin, while goalkeeping coach Steve Drench, who also acted as back-up, also departed the club.
Making the step up to National League level, Stowell admitted he is excited about the season ahead.
"I’m buzzing”, Stowell told ChorleyFC TV. “It’s something which I’ve wanted to get over the line.
"I’m just really excited to be here and for the start of the season,
"The gaffer has said some really good things about the club. I had a good loan at Hyde last year.
"It was a bit of a fight but we came out on top and that’s really boosted my confidence.”
Stowell featured in a 4-2 victory over Manchester City Under-21s on Friday night.
Preece’s men will have now have a clear week of training before the big NL North Kick-off on Saturday when they host Chester. The manager has urged the town to come out and get behind his men.
He said: “I think Chester have pretty much sold out their allocation.
"We cannot be outnumbered at home. It’s just so big that first game of the season. Their fans will be noisy and they do try to turn it into a home game and they’ve had such a good away record over the last two or three years and that’s the reason.”