Norwich Loanee Brad Hills Off to a Strong Start at Stockport County
Brad Hills has hit the ground running since joining Stockport County on loan from Norwich City.
The 20-year-old has already made two appearances for the Hatters, quickly settling into the squad and impressing fans with his performances. His seamless adaptation bucks the recent trend of young academy defenders struggling to make an impact at Edgeley Park.
Hills Making His Mark at Stockport
The defender has started and played the full 90 minutes in County’s matches against Barnsley and Bristol Rovers. Both games were closely contested—a narrow win and a draw—and Hills’ defensive contributions were vital.
He topped the charts for tackles in both matches and, in his debut against Barnsley, won an impressive 12 duels, the most by any player on the pitch. With such performances, he is quickly emerging as a reliable first-team option for manager Dave Challinor.
A Fresh Approach to Defensive Loans
Stockport has had success with loan signings, particularly in attacking areas, with Louie Barry a standout example. However, past defensive loan deals—including Will Fish and Rhys Bennett from Manchester United and Alfie Pond from Wolves—have not yielded the same results, as those players struggled to secure regular game time.
Hills, however, brings a key difference: he has already completed a full senior season with League Two side Accrington Stanley. That extra experience may be the crucial factor in his ability to contribute immediately. If he continues this trajectory, he could set a new standard for future defensive loan signings at the club.
Hills Arrived at the Perfect Time
Timing has also played a role in Hills’ early success. Stockport were short on defensive options due to Fraser Horsfall’s injury, leaving Ethan Pye as the only available natural centre-back. Hills was brought in to provide cover, and he has taken full advantage of the opportunity.
Challinor will be pleased with Hills’ performances, as defensive depth remains a concern. The Hatters are flying high in the play-off spots after last season’s promotion, and an injury crisis at the back could have disrupted their campaign. While Stockport are still light on defenders, Hills’ strong start suggests he will be tough to dislodge from the starting XI.
