Bristol City goalkeeper Harvey Wiles-Richards has joined Gloucester City on loan for the rest of the season.
The 19-year-old has joined Bristol Rovers hero Lee Mansell's Tigers as they vie to secure their place in the National League North. The teenager has been the Robins' third-choice goalkeeper this season behind Dan Bentley and Max O'Leary, named on the bench for the trips to Blackburn Rovers and Barnsley in recent weeks.
Wiles-Richards has plenty of experience at under-23s level, but he is awaiting a debut for Nigel Pearson's first team. A loan stint in the sixth tier, though, could accelerate his development and give him the chance to compete for opportunities in pre-season.
Wiles-Richards joined City in 2019 after coming through the ranks at National League South side Bath City. The teenager then signed a new two-year contract at Ashton Gate in May 2021.
A 28-day recall option has been included in the deal, should City suffer any injuries in their goalkeeping ranks before the end of the campaign.
"We are delighted to have Harvey on board until the end of the season," Mansell said.
"He is extremely well thought of at Bristol City where they have high hopes for him. We thank Nigel Pearson, Pat Mountain and Bristol City for allowing this to happen. We felt this was a vital position to be strong in for the run-in."
There is a strong Bristol-linked contingent in Mansell's squad, with Ex-Robins defender Tom Harrison on their books. Liam Armstrong, Lucas Tomlinson, Ollie Hulbert and Bernard Mensah, all of whom have Rovers connections, also feature for the Tigers.
Gloucester sit six points clear of the sole relegation place in the National League North, needing further points in their final nine games to ensure they will remain in the sixth tier for next season.
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