How have Luton players out on loan performed so far?

We ask fans from each respective club what they think of their Luton loanees so far

My how far we’ve come. As we’ve risen through the leagues the size and depth of the Luton squad has certainly grown. I will freely admit that when taking my seat against Port Vale at home in first game of the 2008/2009 season, having no idea of who might walk out the tunnel to represent our club, -30 points on league table and a collective feeling of confusion but utter defiance, never did I think we would be sending out players our to develop at other Football League clubs. But here we are.

With a total of 10 first team squad players and one youth player out on loan down to National League level this season, we contacted supporters from each club to ask their opinion of the Luton player at their disposal this season.

Alan Campbell- The views of That Millwall Podcast @ThatMillwallPod

Stats so far: 9 starts, + 3 sub appearance, 2 assists, 728 minutes played

How would you describe his loan spell so far? I’d say most of the Millwall fans would say that it’s been a bit underwhelming. He’s had a bit of a stop start spell so far. He has not featured since the 2-1 defeat to Blackburn. It will be interesting to see how he fits in under new head coach Joe Edwards’ plan. The New boss wants the Lions to play in a more aggressive manner. Can he be part of that? Only time will tell.

Specific strengths and weaknesses? Personally, a weakness I would say is that in his appearances so far, I have failed to see what he brings to the side. I think he has found it quite hard to settle in to how the team play. He obviously came into the side on loan to play in a different managers system. The system that Millwall will now play will be quite different to what he was expecting. On strengths, he can get himself involved in key moments, which in fairness he has done. He provided the assist for Zian Flemming’s goal at Deepdale. It proved he can get involved and can be an asset to the team, but he needs to be able to deliver it on a more regular basis should he be given the chance.

If given the chance would you like to sign him up? Right now, I’m not sure. We need to see what his role will be in the new system with Joe Edwards. This is a very different style to what was expected and was delivered under Gary Rowett. If he can play a part in the new system and works well then, I think he would be a good addition to the side in the future.

Loan rating out of 10? Due to lack of appearances in recent weeks, and from what I have seen so far I would give him 6/10.

Fred Onyedimna- The views of The RUFC @The_RUFC

Stats so far: 15 starts + 3 sub appearance ,2 goals, 2 assists, 1348 minutes played

How would you describe his loan spell so far? It started off looking very promising, but somewhat like our season it has gone off the boil a little. There is certainly a player there though. Unfortunately the most headline-grabbing game for him was where he scored to put us 2-0 up against Blackburn, was ludicrously booked for celebrating near the crowd, then sent off for waving an imaginary card moments later. Probably the most baffling 5 minute spell of refereeing anyone will see this season, and Fred was the victim at the centre of it.

Any specific strengths/ weaknesses? He’s comfortable on the ball, a good close dribbler, perhaps lacking the pace to properly beat a man but he’s tricky and tends to use the ball well. He’s also surprisingly good in the air. 2 goals and 2 assists from 15 games is a decent enough record. His main weakness I’d say his defensive work out of possession, he seems to switch off, and he’s been unable to do a job at wing back when required. Unfortunately we’re not good enough to have the luxury of a player not digging in defensively.

If given the chance would you like to sign him up? Absolutely, I’d like to think we could nurture him and as mentioned before, I think there’s a player in there.

Overall loan rating so far out of 10? 7/10

John McAtee- The views of BARNSLEY FC Polls @Barnsleyfcpoll

Stats so far: 15 starts + 7 sub appearances , 6 league goals + 2 FA Cup goals + 1 Papa John's Trophy Goal, 3 assists, 1042 minutes played

How would you describe his loan spell so far? Early on in his loan I'd say he was hit & miss with performances average at best, but over the last 5 or so games he's really improved and shown us what we were probably expecting when he signed. He's now become one of our best players, constantly wanting the ball and shooting when ever possible.

Any specific strengths/ weaknesses? Strengths - Composure in front of goal. Awareness and that bit of pace. Closing down and tracking back when losing possession. His running off the ball, close control, accurate shooting and his goals up to now have been real strengths. Weakness - Not really seen any weaknesses. Occasionally drifting in and out of games.

https://twitter.com/Barnsleyfcpolls/status/1741445460361929126?t=wrXo03N1UNJndehsvZ7PtA&s=19

If given the chance would you like to sign him up? 100% I'd have him sign on a permanent basis, but unfortunately with our wage budget it will not happen.

https://twitter.com/Barnsleyfcpolls/status/1740493353186431234?t=wrXo03N1UNJndehsvZ7PtA&s=19

Overall loan rating so far out of 10? 9/10

Louie Watson- The views of Rob Waghorn, Charlton fan @Rob_Waghorn

Stats so far: 8 starts + 10 substitute appearances, 2 assist, 728 minutes played

How would you describe his loan spell so far? Louie has been a breath of fresh air with his energy and commitment. Compliments playing along side captain and fellow West ham academy graduate George Dobson. I think he has settled well and got fitter every week.

Any specific strengths/ weaknesses? Louie has adapted to playing the system well and breaks up play and creates a lot of turnovers. He has one assist and scored against Aston villa under 23's. He is our corner taker and his delivery is good.

If given the chance would you like to sign him up? I would be trying to get him signed permanently rather than just loaned if it was possible.

Overall loan rating so far out of 10? Overall he is a solid 7/8 every game and will clearly get better with games.

Joe Taylor- The views of The Blue and White Army

Stats so far: 27 starts, 11 league goals + 1 League Cup goal, 2 assists, 2078 minutes played

How would you describe his loan spell so far? Very encouraging, a natural born finisher who could easily have more goals to his name than he has.

Any specific strengths/ weaknesses? He is a very energetic player and a natural born finisher, he could work on knowing when to pass and when to shoot and sometimes he lets his frustration get the better of him, especially when being subbed, but these are all things that will naturally develop as he gets older.
If given the chance would you like to sign him up?  Without doubt but he will play at a level far above League Two, injuries depending.
Overall loan rating so far out of 10? 7.5/10 - still pretty raw and has a few areas of his game to work on but overall one of the better loanees, especially young ones, we’ve had at this level.

Dion Pereira The views of Joe from Sutton United Talk Time @suttonpodcast

Stats so far: 6 starts + 10 substitute appearances, 2 goals in the FA Cup, 546 minutes played

How would you describe his loan spell so far? He has struggled to get game time, and his main showcases while on loan at Sutton have been for the Antigua and Barbuda national team, where he scored his first goal earlier this week. He has started one game in the league thus far, with an unimpressive performance in the 3-0 defeat against Crawley, with his only other start coming in the EFL Trophy against Aston Villa U21. Coming off the bench, he has had moments of liveliness, especially using his pace, but no moment of note since joining at the end of the window.

Any specific strengths/ weaknesses? Quite difficult to pinpoint due to his lack of game time. His pace and dribbling, especially against Morecambe, was something to fret about for defenders. I think one weakness, again from the Morecambe and the game at Crawley away, is his defensive ability. The style of football we play requires wingers to involve themselves in the defensive effort. Watching on for those games, it seemed like he was slightly uncomfortable about this aspect of the tactic, and this meant we lacked protection on the right hand side, which is where two of our goals came from.

If given the chance would you like to sign him up? Once again, very difficult to say, but as of now, I don’t think that he is a player which the club, or the fans, would be particularly keen on signing him long-term, due to his lack of use in our season so far. However, because of this, I would be willing and keen to see more of him, as I feel that we cannot make a fully informed decision without seeing him involved in matchday more often.

Overall loan rating so far out of 10? 3/10

Admiral Muskwe- The views of The Big Bank Theory Podcast @bigbankpod

Stats so far: 5 starts + 3 substitute appearances, 379 minutes played

How would you describe his loan spell so far? Well, he came to us as a last minute replacement for Sam Nombe who we sold to Rotherham too late in the window. And then Admiral got injured. His recovery has coincided with us being in a terrible terrible run of form. And the way we’re playing basically leaves Muskwe and any other striker with absolute crumbs. So it’s not been great at all. But it’s hard to blame him.

Any specific strengths/ weaknesses? He looks physically strong, but he’s been unable to be in the right places for the very limited chances he may have gotten. He’s not been able to create stuff himself, but again that’s hard to put squarely at his door.
If given the chance would you like to sign him up?  Currently no. I’m still hopeful that we might see some quality, but that’s probably desperation on my part. Our manager Gary Caldwell will surely lose his job if this run goes on much longer (even given our reluctance as a club to fire people) and so a new system could come in with a new manager who Muskwe could thrive under. Call me a hopeless optimist!
Overall loan rating so far out of 10? I’d have to give him a 3 based on what he’s been able to show, in difficult circumstances.

*Muskwe also made one appearance for Zimbabwe over the international break, starting but being substituted after 25 minutes.

Jack Walton- The views of David at Dundee United Supporters Club

Stats so far: 19 starts, 1 assist (!) 1710 minutes played

How would you describe his loan spell so far? Loan spell has been excellent made such a difference to our defence.

Any specific strengths/ weaknesses? Great shot stopper and brilliant at commanding his area.

If given the chance would you like to sign him up? Yes, if we could afford his wages.

Overall loan rating so far out of 10? 10/10

Aribim Pepple- The views of Machel St Patrick Hewitt at Bromley with love

Stats so far: 3 starts, 3 substitute appearances, 309 minutes played

How would you describe his loan spell so far? It has been a hit and miss spell for Bim Pepple so far. On one hand he has shown his obvious raw potential with an ability to stretch play and outsprint static/slow defences, his strength and hold up play has also been a stand out in some games. The issue however being he is raw. There is a lot of work to do on his finishing but there is plenty of talent to work with.

He has scored two goals in 7 games - but those two have come in a provincial cup game against a side several leagues below Bromley.

Any specific strengths/ weaknesses? As above the pace and hold up play has been of great benefit to Bromley being able to get up the pitch in certain games. However Andy Woodman recently signed Olufela Olomola - an experienced striker at the L2 and NL level which perhaps speaks to where Woodman sees Bim in the pecking order at the moment and acknowledgement that he isn’t ready to be first choice as yet. 

If given the chance would you like to sign him up? Given his age 20, if Luton were to release him I could 100% see Andy Woodman making the move permanent as he is a fan of young players with a big upside.

Overall loan rating so far out of 10? 6/10 Hasn’t featured in the National League or FA Cup since the 3rd October but arguably has performed creditably when called upon.

Aidan Francis-Clarke- The views of @Dagenham and Redbridge Podcast

Stats so far: 5 starts, 377 minutes played

How would you describe his loan spell so far? I'd say Aiden looks an excellent prospect for you. I saw his full debut and he featured in a side a bit low on confidence and came in when some experienced defenders were out. For a young player he showed a confidence and maturity which belied his years. Since then he has played some games and has been a little unlucky to find himself on the bench recently.

Any specific strengths/ weaknesses? Strengths are good on the ball and not afraid to get it under control and use it. Also good getting touch tight and closing down. Aiden isn't the tallest so aerially can lose it but not sure I'd call it a weakness.

If given the chance would you like to sign him up? I'd be more than happy to sign him up he will definitely continue to improve with more games and he's already proved more than capable.

Overall loan rating so far out of 10? I'd rate him a solid 7 for a loan player only not higher because he has been unlucky not to play more

• Note: Elliot Thorpe’s loan spell at Shrewsbury was unfortunately cut short due to injury with the young midfielder playing only 2 minutes in an FA Cup substitute appearance.

With thanks to all who contributed to this article.