Rotherham United Finalise Loan Move for Young Attacker
Rotherham United have officially announced that promising young forward Ben Hatton has completed a temporary move to North Ferriby, joining the non-league side on a month-long youth loan. The agreement remains subject to the usual ratification from the EFL, National League and the Football Association.
The decision to sanction the move has been taken with Hatton’s development firmly in mind, as the 20-year-old continues his recovery from a serious hamstring injury that has curtailed much of his involvement this season. Rotherham view the loan as an important step in rebuilding the attacker’s match fitness and confidence, allowing him to accumulate valuable first-team experience in a competitive senior environment. Despite his recent injury struggles, Hatton is still regarded as a key prospect within the club’s long-term plans.
During his time at North Ferriby, Hatton will work under manager Chris Bolder, the former Grimsby Town midfielder who has guided the Villagers through a solid and encouraging campaign so far. Regular playing time is expected to be a central part of the loan arrangement, particularly given Hatton’s limited minutes since returning from injury, with consistent match exposure seen as vital to his continued progress.
Hatton made his return to competitive action for Rotherham earlier in the season during the Vertu Trophy round of 16 clash away at Huddersfield Town. He was introduced for the final 15 minutes of the match as the Millers carefully managed his reintroduction to first-team football. With opportunities in league competition naturally restricted, the loan move provides an ideal platform for the forward to regain sharpness and rhythm in matchday conditions.
North Ferriby FC Overview
North Ferriby currently sit eighth in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division and remain firmly in contention for the play-off places. After 28 league fixtures, the Villagers have collected 41 points, recording nine wins, 14 draws and five defeats. They have scored 36 goals while conceding just 28, highlighting a relatively strong defensive foundation that has kept them competitive throughout the campaign.
With the top half of the table tightly packed and several teams separated by only small margins, North Ferriby see the addition of attacking reinforcement as timely. Extra firepower could prove crucial as they look to turn draws into wins during the decisive final stages of the season.
The club’s current incarnation was established in 2019 after North Ferriby United was wound up by the High Court. Since gaining FA recognition, North Ferriby have worked to rebuild their standing within the non-league system, competing in the Northern Counties East League and continuing to play their home matches at Grange Lane.
From Rotherham United’s perspective, the loan arrangement allows coaching staff at Roundwood to closely track Hatton’s progress while ensuring he benefits from regular senior football. The Millers will maintain oversight throughout the spell, confident that sustained competitive action will play a key role in accelerating his return to full match fitness and form.
