Stevenage forward Jovan Malcolm has joined York City on loan until January. The 23-year-old's move provides cover for York after injuries to strikers Josh Stones and Dipo Akinyemi. Malcolm could make his debut for his new club in their home game against Exeter City on Saturday.
Stevenage, currently 19th in League One with one point from two games, have allowed the player to seek regular minutes. The club's form reads LD and they have scored two goals while conceding three this season. They sit five points behind leaders Bradford City ahead of their next fixtures against Doncaster Rovers.
Jovan Malcolm is a forward who came through the academy at West Bromwich Albion, joining at the age of six. He signed his first professional contract with the Championship club in July 2021. Malcolm made his senior debut in an FA Cup replay against Chesterfield and his league debut in a 2-0 defeat at Sheffield United, making five total appearances and scoring twice for the Baggies. After being released at the end of the 2023/24 season, he earned a two-year deal with National League side Gateshead. There, he scored 12 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions, facing York City twice during that spell. His performances there earned him a move to Stevenage in 2025.
Malcolm has experience with several loan moves to develop his game. He had a stint with Accrington Stanley in League One, playing ten times. A brief month-long loan followed at Solihull Moors in the National League. In September 2023, he was sent on loan to Cheltenham Town, returning to West Brom by January 2024. Most recently, early in 2026, he spent time on loan with Barrow in League Two, scoring one goal in 13 league appearances. He has played eight times for Stevenage so far. The forward's move to York City represents his latest opportunity to gain consistent match action.
York City head coach Scott Lindsey identified the need for a new striker due to injuries within his squad. Both Josh Stones and Dipo Akinyemi are sidelined, creating a gap in the attacking line. Lindsey moved to bring in Malcolm to provide immediate cover and competition for places. The loan deal, running until the January transfer window, offers a short-term solution while allowing York to assess their options. Malcolm's familiarity with York from his time at Gateshead played a part. "To be honest, when I came here [with Gateshead], I was surprised by the fanbase, the set-up, and the stadium, and it really left a good impression on me," Malcolm said.
For Stevenage, the loan allows a squad player to go out and play regularly. With the club having scored just twice this season, manager Steve Evans will be relying on his other attacking options, including top scorer O. Sanderson who has one goal in two appearances. The club's squad depth will be tested during Malcolm's absence, especially with a busy schedule ahead. The move is a standard piece of squad management, ensuring a player not in the immediate plans gets valuable game time elsewhere. Malcolm's development at York could benefit Stevenage in the long term, either for a recall or by increasing his value.
Jovan Malcolm is now set to integrate with the York City squad. "I'm delighted to be here," he stated. "I have always admired the club and what they have done over the last few years, so being able to get this over the line has been brilliant for me." His immediate focus is on earning a starting spot and helping York climb the table. For Stevenage, attention turns to their own campaign and improving their league position, which fans can track on the standings page. The club's next match is a home fixture against Doncaster Rovers, who are 20th in the table, on 29 August.
