Nathan Cannon on Forfar Athletic, Alloa and Learning out on Loan

You joined Forfar Athletic in the summer of 2024 from Alloa. How would you reflect on your time at the club so far? 

 

“It’s been great. Coming in during the summer after last season has really helped me improve. Playing every week has been the biggest factor—getting that experience in the men’s game is invaluable. 

 

“All the boys have been fantastic with me; they’ve really helped me settle in. Both managers at the club this season have been great too by giving me opportunities, which is so important for young players. 

 

“Sometimes, players don’t get that chance, but I’ve been fortunate to have that trust as a young player.

 

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far and the players in our dressing room have been key to that. 

 

“To be honest, everyone has played their part in helping me settle. 

 

“I travel up with Russell McLean, Adam Hutchison, and Bradley Rodden—Bradley and I were at Alloa together last year for about six months. 

 

“Travelling together makes a huge difference; it helps you mix with the boys in a more natural way. The car school is great because it’s a chance to bond. 

 

“If you’re coming into the changing room on your own, it can feel a bit daunting. But with the car school, you already have that connection, and it makes things much easier.

“I have also signed a new contract until 2027 so I am looking forward to seeing what the future brings with Forfar.”

 

This season has been testing for the club so far. How is the atmosphere around the dressing room to change fortunes? 

 

“Everyone is incredibly determined to do all that we can to turn things around. Since Jim Weir returned as manager, the whole attitude in the dressing room has changed. 

 

“The results have started to turn around too. There’s a different mentality now—nobody wants to lose. Even if we concede a goal, everyone fights to get back into the game and push for a win. The gaffer has been brilliant with me. He’s trusted me and given me chances, and that’s exactly what I needed at this stage of my career.

 

“League Two is definitely a physical league. The football can be pretty direct at times—lots of long balls. That said, you just have to adapt. My aim is to improve my strength in the coming years and that’ll come as I get older. Whenever you’re involved in a game, you need to take your chances, hold up the ball, or make an impact whenever you can.”

 

Before joining Forfar, you had a spell with Alloa. How much did you learn from your time there?

 

“I learned a lot at Alloa. There were so many experienced players in that squad—guys like Conor Sammon, Stefan Scougall, and Kurtis Roberts. Training with them every week taught me so much. 

 

“I wasn’t playing as much as I’d have liked, but I made the most of my time there. I was also out on loan with Benburb, so I was training full-time most weeks—Mondays and Wednesdays with Benburb, and Tuesdays and Thursdays with Alloa. That setup helped me adjust to the men’s game and gain the experience I needed.”

 

And in terms of your loan at Benburb, how much of an eye-opener was that in terms of playing competitive football in the West of Scotland Leagues where any team can beat anyone?

 

“It was definitely an eye-opener. Playing in the West of Scotland league taught me so much about the physical side of the game. 

 

“You don’t get much time on the ball at that level, so you have to make quick decisions and be smart about how you play. It was a strong learning experience, and it really helped me develop as a player.”

 

Last question—as a young player looking to make your way in the game. What are your aims in the coming years?

 

“My priority right now is to play as many games as possible and continually improve with each performance.

 

“Every match is an opportunity to grow, and I’m fully committed to learning, developing, and contributing as much as I can to Forfar Athletic. Looking ahead, I have ambitions to transition to full-time football, but I understand that reaching that level requires consistent effort, dedication, and hard work. For now, I’m fully focused on doing everything that I can to help Forfar because I am loving my time at the club.”

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Featured image: Forfar Atheltic Football Club