Teenagers hoping to make their mark for the Magpies this season

Anjola Popoola’s return to Chorley is a prime example of the work boss Andy Preece does behind the scenes.

The striker arrived on loan on the eve of the new National League North season – which kicks-off today with a home game against Chester – after enjoying a successful stint with the club during the last campaign.

The Accrington Stanley ace notched five goals in 10 outings for the Magpies before being recalled by his parent club in February.

Preece has kept his eye on Popoola’s situation over the summer and managed to entice the teenager back to Victory Park on the eve of the new campaign.

But the Chorley boss revealed he regularly speaks to former players as he is vested in their futures, whether that maybe with Chorley or not.

“I keep in touch with a lot of our loan players after they leave,” said Preece. “It’s not just about trying to bring them back to the club, a lot of them talk to me, ask for advice.

“Or I will speak to them and ask them how they’re getting on.

“Anj had a tough end to last season as he had a problem with his back. So he has been delayed in pre-season.

“I think he has only two 45 minutes in pre-season. But I’m pleased to get him because he’s a goalscorer, he did well for us. Five goals in 10 games is a fantastic return.

“He’s only 19 – people forget that, so he’s going to be a player who is a little bit up and down but when he’s on it , he can score goals like he did for us.

“So I am really pleased to get him because we have been a little bit short of attacking options.”

Popoola is not the only teenager to arrive on loan at Victory park this week.

His signing came hot on the heels of the swoop for Preston youngster Li-Bau Stowell.

The 18-year-old will fill the huge void left by former skipper and Magpies stalwart Matty Urwin between the sticks.

But Preece has no concerns about the youngster filling such big boots.

“He’s a player that we have watched a lot of over the past two seasons at Preston “ added Preece.

“He had a really good loan spell at Hyde at the back end of last season when they were really under pressure.

“Li-Bau did really, really well. It’s a very difficult position to fill after Matty because for me, he was the best goalkeeper in non-league.

“We spoke to a number of keepers in pre-season, experienced ones - but this is one of those positions, probably goalkeeper and attacking positions, where finances hurt us a little bit.

“We were priced out of those really experienced ones, but I am pleased to get Li-Bau in.

“Although he’s young, he doesn’t come across like that, he comes across as really confident and in the games he’s played he’s done really well.

“Preston think a lot of him - they expect him to go and play in their first team.

“Everybody has got to start somewhere - Arsenal’s David Raya went out on loan at Southport - they have got to be given an opportunity.”