LOUIE LEFEVRE TELLS YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Wolves academy pair Josh Gracey and Alfie Pond LOAN DEALS
An academy duo are set to spend the remainder of the season out on loan, as Josh Gracey and Alfie Pond secure moves away from Wolves.
Wolves U21s have started January by settling the short-term future of two standout players. Goalkeeper Josh Gracey, who only turned 18 last month, has already enjoyed a strong campaign.
The shot-stopper has balanced his time between Wolves’ U21 side and AFC Telford, and both clubs have now confirmed he will spend the remainder of the season at the SEAH Stadium. The National League North outfit have endured a goalkeeping crisis and have struggled to settle on a number one.
Regular keeper Brandon Hall suffered a broken wrist early in the season, while back-up Alfie Brooks was signed by Wolves. A mix of stop-gap solutions followed. November signing Harvey Randle, emergency loans for ex-Wolves goalkeepers Jamie Pardington and Stan Amos, plus current academy player Xander Grieves, have seen Telford use seven goalkeepers so far this season.
Manager Kevin Wilkin admitted the situation had been “less than ideal”, but said it was now “under control”, with Gracey covering for Hall until he recovers. The reaction to the Northern Ireland U21 international’s extended stay has been positive from the manager and fans alike.
Wolves U21 captain Alfie Pond has also completed a loan move for the second half of the season, joining Crewe Alexandra. Pond’s last loan spell, at Stockport County last season, was cancelled early due to a lack of game time.
The defender, who turns 22 in February, has been ever-present in this season’s PL2 campaign and has helped Wolves U21s make a strong start, losing only twice. He scored his only goal of the season in a 3-2 National League Cup defeat away at Braintree.
Despite making the bench for the first team in last month’s 2-0 Premier League defeat to Brentford, Pond has not broken into the senior side. He will now look for regular minutes and experience in League Two.
Academy team-mate Harvey Griffiths spent the first half of 2025/26 with the Railwaymen but did not make a first-team appearance, instead featuring for Crewe’s U21 side in the Professional Development League.
Always Wolves wish both players the best of luck for the rest of the season.
ARTICLE BY LOUIE LEFEVRE
I’m a student and a season ticket holder. I enjoy talking about the next generation of Wolves players and you can usually spot me on Match of the day behind the goal!