O'Grady-Macken Joins On Loan

 

O’Grady-Macken began his footballing journey in the academy at Wolverhampton Wanderers before moving to Blackburn in 2021.

 

Since then, he has continued to progress through the age groups, an energetic box-to-box midfielder with an eye for both breaking up play and driving his team forward, Harley will be hoping to show what he’s all about.

 

In 2023, he signed his first professional contract with Rovers at the age of 18, marking a significant step in his development. 

Just a few weeks later he was rewarded with a place in the first-team training group, gaining valuable experience. He was in and around the matchday squad for some fixtures, before making his competitive senior debut in January 2025, coming on as a substitute during Blackburn’s FA Cup third-round victory over Middlesbrough.

 

The midfielder is now regarded as a very promising young talent to have emerged from Blackburn’s highly respected academy, which has produced a number of notable players in recent years.

 

He has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of Adam Wharton, who successfully progressed from the youth system into the Rovers first team.

 

O’Grady-Macken arrives at Boundary Park looking to build on what he’s achieved at Blackburn and showcase it at League Two level.

Manager Micky Mellon said: "Harley is a player we’re really pleased to have secured.

 

"He’s got great energy, a real desire to get on the ball, and will add further balance and quality to our midfield.

 

"He’s still a young lad, but he’s got a lot of potential and we’re looking forward to helping him continue his development with us.”

 

On joining Latics, Harley said: “This is a big move for me and one I’m really looking forward to.

 

“I’m joining a big club, with a big fanbase so it’s all really exciting.

 

“I trained a couple times a couple of weeks ago and loved every second so to be here until January, I can’t wait!”

 

Harley will wear the number 25 shirt.

 

Welcome to the club, Harley!