Three Ipswich Town youngsters left the club on loan deadline day last week. STUART WATSON recaps who has departed on a temporary basis this season.
Luke Woolfenden
The 19-year-old homegrown defender impressed in the early stages of the Carabao Cup last season before a spell on loan at promotion-chasing National League side Bromley. He was recalled by caretaker boss Bryan Klug, thus being denied an appearance at Wembley in the FA Trophy Final, and duly made his full Championship debut in the 4-0 win at Reading.
After being a regular in pre-season, then stepping off the bench early in the opener against Blackburn, it looked as though he may have a role to play for the first team this term.
The arrivals of Toto Nsiala and Matthew Pennington means he has been loaned to League Two side Swindon Town for the campaign, with Town having the option of a January recall. Could make his debut at Morecambe tomorrow.
“When I went to Bromley I wasn’t used to the physical side, but I can handle myself now,” he said. “The manager (Phil Brown) has told me the club’s ambitions and that excite me. I want to be one of the first names on that team sheet.
“I’m probably a modern-day centre half, I like to get on the ball and play. But I defend well as well, I like to head the ball.”
Tristan Nydam
Versatile midfielder, 18, burst on the scene last year and made 14 appearances before Christmas. Found his chances limited in the second half of the campaign and now has plenty of players ahead of him the pecking order.
As a result he has been loaned to Scottish Premier League side St Johnstone for the season. He came on as a 79th minute substitute in their 2-1 win at Hamilton last Saturday. It’s Aberdeen (h) up next, with games against Rangers and Celtic on the horizon.
Nydam said: “It’s the highest league in Scotland, a lot of the games are televised and there are some massive teams here so I don’t see why it can’t be a platform for me.”
Saints boss Tommy Wright said: “He is exactly what we thought he was going to be – good on the ball, good range of passing, energetic and likes to get about people when he’s not in possession.”
Josh Emmanuel
Powerful right-back already has 24 Town appearances to his name.
It looked like he might be back in the first team fold after a successful loan stint at League One side Rotherham United last season – the 21-year-old was named their Young Player of the Year as the Millers gained promotion via the play-offs.
He finds himself back in the third tier though at Shrewsbury Town – Blues boss Paul Hurt’s former club and the team Rotherham beat at Wembley.
The Shrews find themselves second-bottom and winless. Emmanuel faces a fight to get in the team for tomorrow’s game at Portsmouth given Ryan Sears, 19, produced the ‘perfect’ debut in last weekend’s 1-1 home draw with Bristol Rovers according to boss John Askey.
“I’m here to help the team and improve myself and I’m excited to do that,” said Emmnauel. “I’m a right-back, I like to attack and be positive on the ball. I’m still kind of young, so I’m still learning my trade. Hopefully, I’ll gain experience here.
“Every game and every training session is an opportunity to learn and improve.”
Ben Morris
Was a surprise call-up for England’s Under-19s this summer. Had a positive impact off the bench against Blackburn, but since then Kayden Jackson and Jon Walters have arrived.
Joined League Two side Forest Green Rovers on loan after they sold star striker Christian Doidge to Bolton.
Manager Mark Cooper said: “Ben’s an exciting, young centre-forward – Ipswich have got high hopes for him. I think he’s one that our fans will enjoy watching. He’s a real workhorse, he can get hold of the ball, he can run the channels and he can score goals.”
Played 69 minutes of 4-0 home win against Cheltenham Town in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night. Forest Green host Port Vale tomorrow.
Pat Webber
Versatile defender – who can play centre-back or left-back – has re-joined Braintree Town on loan following their promotion back into the National League.
The Essex side are currently bottom of the table after a winless start, though they’ve conceded only seven goals in the six games Webber has started.
“He was here with us briefly last year and we saw then that he’s a very good young talent,” said Braintree boss Bradley Quinton.
“He has a good size about him, his stamina is excellent and he has a good composure on the ball.
“He is still learning the game, but I flourish when having players like that to work with and I’ll enjoy getting the best out of him.
“Coming to us will be better for him than playing under-23 football as it’s competitive and it’s a dream level to be playing at for young players like him.”
Aaron Drinan
The Irish striker, 20, is yet to make his Town debut after joining from Waterford United back in January.
He’s joined National League side Sutton United on loan, so far has been in and out of their side (four starts, five sub appearances) and is yet to find the net.
The South London side’s next game, bizarrely, is at Airdrieonians in the Scottish League Challenge Cup! Sutton and Boreham Wood both accepted invites to play in the competition. It means a near 800-mile round trip.
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