Former Shrewsbury Town loanee Tommy McDermott has begun a new chapter with National League side Halifax Town. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has signed a one-year contract with the option for a further year after being released by Burnley at the end of last season.
McDermott was a regular feature for Shrewsbury during the 2024-25 campaign, making 41 appearances across all competitions while on a season-long loan from Burnley. He scored three goals, with two of those coming in the EFL Trophy, and made 34 appearances in League Two. His move to Halifax comes as Shrewsbury, currently 18th in League Two on eight points, prepare for a trip to sixth-placed Grimsby Town this weekend.
Burnley departure and Halifax debut
McDermott joined Burnley from Port Vale for an undisclosed fee in 2024 and signed an improved contract last year, but was one of nine players released from the club's under-21 squad this summer. He made two senior appearances for Burnley during the 2024-25 season. The midfielder has already made his debut for his new club, playing 85 minutes in Halifax's 2-1 defeat at Worthing on Saturday. His professional career began with a debut for Port Vale at the start of the 2022-23 season, followed by loan spells at Salisbury, Rochdale and Curzon Ashton.
Shrewsbury's recent form has been mixed, with one win, two draws and two losses in their last five outings, culminating in a 2-2 draw with Colchester United last time out. The club will be looking to build on that result as they continue their League Two campaign, with the current standings showing a seven-point gap to leaders Barnet.
This story first appeared at Halifax Courier
