Youngster Max Lott has extended his stay with The Bards for another month following a series of impressive performances at the step 3 side.
Known for his dynamic play and proficience to link up effectively with teammates, Lott has become a useful asset for the team playing in orange, often causing red alarm bells for opposition defences. As Lott continues to develop his skills at Stratford, his parent club, Aston Villa, are shining in the Premier League with both online bookmakers and crypto casino sites pricing them at 33/1 to win the title. The centre-forward will be keen to make a breakthrough into the Villains’ first team in the near future, but for now, he needs to focus on perfecting his game. Despite being only 18 years old, Lott has shown maturity beyond his years, demonstrating a keen understanding of the game. His ability to drop back into midfield to assist in build-up play, combined with his dynamic runs into the box, makes him a versatile threat on the field.
Born in Sutton Coldfield, Lott began his football journey at a young age, quickly making a name for himself in the youth ranks. He signed a scholarship with Aston Villa in July 2023, having previously been part of the Under-16 squad that clinched the prestigious Premier League National Tournament in 2023. This early success laid a strong foundation for his development, and his talent has not gone unnoticed.
Last season, Lott made a solid impact in the Under-18s league, scoring two goals and providing an assist in nine appearances. His contributions were instrumental in Jimmy Shan’s side achieving an unprecedented treble, a remarkable feat that highlighted the strength of Villa’s youth academy. Following this success, Lott signed his first professional contract with Villa last summer, marking a significant milestone in his footballing career.
Whilst not a cub, the young lion has embraced the challenge of adapting to men’s football, understanding the need for patience and continuous improvement. His performances for Stratford Town Football Club (STFC) have showcased his potential, but he is also aware that further development is essential to reach the next level. With guidance from the first-team coaches, Paul McCone and Paul Davis, Max Lott (ML) is honing his skills and continuing to gain invaluable experience.
The current season has seen Lott make 11 appearances for Stratford, primarily as a substitute. His ability to change the game from the bench has been evident; he scored on his debut versus Real Bedford at the start of November and has since added to his tally with another against
Bury Town. Adding a further 2 assists to his overall contributions, ML has constantly displayed his knack for being in the right place at the right time. These contributions have not only boosted his confidence but have also endeared him to the club’s supporters. Although he has only clocked 47 minutes of Premier League 2 (PL2) action at Bodymoor Heath, his performances 35 miles away at Arden Garages Stadium indicate that he is ready to make the leap to higher competition.
As Lott continues to develop, both he and Stratford Town mutually agreed to extend his contract until 4th February. This extension reflects the club’s belief in his potential as they aim to reach the playoff spots in the Southern League Premier Division Central. Currently sitting in 9th, STFC face a tricky home tie against fellow promotion pushers Redditch United this Saturday, with the away side sitting 3 positions and 4 points above them. Utd have played 3 more games though.
Perhaps the U18 English Youth League winner can be considered as one to watch for the future. He can take confidence knowing that Villa always give youth a chance, often on the biggest stages, whether it be the Champions League or Premier League. As he carefully navigates the early stages of his professional career, he can look up to a potential teammate in Morgan Rodgers, who took a similar approach to Lott by gaining first-team experience lower down the football pyramid. With the right mentality and good structure around him, he may soon find himself playing alongside superstars like Ollie Watkins and John McGinn.