It has been a successful week for Crystal Palace loanees across the country and beyond.
Danny Imray marked his return to action in style with a goal for Blackpool, while Joe Whitworth’s fine form was recognised as he was named Exeter City’s Player of the Month. Elsewhere, Tayo Adaramola earned back-to-back starts for Leyton Orient following his return from suspension.
Read on for the latest updates on how our Academy players are getting on during their loan spells, below!
Imray marked his return to the Blackpool starting XI in perfect fashion, opening the scoring in a commanding 3–0 victory over Rotherham United at the AESSEAL New York Stadium last Tuesday.
The wing-back wasted no time making an impact in South Yorkshire, breaking the deadlock after just two minutes.
Linking up excellently with fellow returnee Josh Bowler, Imray burst in behind the defence and showed real composure to finish low under Cameron Dawson, setting the tone for a second win in as many games for Ian Evatt’s side.
Imray’s early strike helped Blackpool establish a two-goal advantage inside the opening 18 minutes. Despite pressure from the hosts, the Seasiders carried a deserved lead into the break and, after a resilient second-half display, sealed the points late on through Ashley Fletcher.
The Palace loanee followed that up with another assured 90-minute performance as Blackpool came from behind to secure a 2–2 draw at home to Lincoln City at Bloomfield Road in Sky Bet League One on Saturday.
With the Seasiders trailing early, Imray remained a constant attacking outlet down the right-hand side, causing problems throughout.
His energy and delivery were particularly evident in the second half when his dangerous work down the flank led to goalkeeper George Wickens spilling the ball, presenting Tom Bloxham with a chance that narrowly went over. Goals from Lee Evans (penalty) and Fletcher ensured Blackpool left with a point, with Imray again playing a key role.
Imray’s recent contributions come after a lengthy spell on the sidelines earlier this season. The wing-back was stretchered off just 16 minutes into Blackpool’s 2–2 draw with Luton Town in early October, with surgery required and an initial recovery timeline of at least three months.
The injury brought a frustrating halt to a hugely promising start at Bloomfield Road, where Imray had already collected two Player of the Match awards and established himself as a fan favourite.
Whitworth was named Exeter City’s Player of the Month for November after a standout run of performances during his second loan spell at St James Park.
The 'keeper featured in all of the Grecians’ League and Emirates FA Cup fixtures across the month, including a clean sheet in a victory over Halifax Town, and topped the fan vote with 35%.
Whitworth played the full 90 minutes in Exeter’s 1–0 home win over AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday (9th December), before again being involved in a hard-fought 2–1 defeat away to Bolton Wanderers. The Palace loanee made several important saves, including a strong stop from Thierry Gale early in the second half, as Exeter pushed a promotion-chasing side all the way.
Whitworth and Exeter return to action this Saturday, hosting Barnsley at St James Park in their final home fixture of 2025.
Adaramola returned to Leyton Orient’s starting XI after serving a suspension, playing in the 1–1 draw with Luton Town on Tuesday (9th December).
The defender then earned back-to-back starts, featuring for 89 minutes as Orient were narrowly beaten at Barnsley in Sky Bet League One. Despite a strong first-half display that saw the O’s take the lead, two late goals handed the hosts all three points.
Adaramola remained an attacking presence throughout, getting to the byline and delivering a dangerous low cross shortly after the restart as Orient searched for a response. Next up for Adaramola and Leyton Orient is a trip to Bradford on Saturday (20th December).
França was introduced as a late substitute as Vasco da Gama secured their place in the 2025 Copa do Brasil Final, edging past Fluminense on penalties in the semi-final second leg.
The Palace forward was an unused substitute in the first leg, which finished 2–1, before Vasco prevailed in the shootout to book their spot in next year’s final.
Rak-Sakyi played 68 minutes in Çaykur Rizespor’s impressive 3–0 victory over Eyüpspor in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday.
The winger was involved throughout, laying the ball off for Mithat Pala to force a save at the near post and going close himself on several occasions, including a headed chance midway through the first half.
Rak-Sakyi also linked up well with Casper Højer after the restart, with the pair combining to create further danger, before the Palace loanee curled an effort that narrowly missed the far top corner.
Rizespor currently sit 11th in the Turkish top flight, level on 18 points with Alanyaspor.
Goodman was named on the bench for Huddersfield Town’s League One fixtures against Northampton Town and Wigan Athletic during the past week.
Akinwale was an unused substitute in Eastbourne Borough’s 2–1 defeat to Chelmsford Town in the National League South on Saturday.
Mustapha has returned to the club.
The 19-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan at 1. FC Nürnberg, where he made two appearances in the Regionalliga Bayern.
Mustapha signed a new contract with the club last summer after an impressive 2024/25 campaign, during which he was named Palace Under-21s’ Player of the Season.
Hindolo’s loan spell will officially conclude on 1st January 2026.
Last season, Goodman, Danny Imray, Adaramola and Whitworth all featured featured in the Palace TV series Loan Life, where our cameras gained an unprecedented insight into their time adapting to new clubs and developing in the Football League.
