Hatters boss still feels a loan move is best for returning winger despite Robins cameo
Archer to continue to develop away from Kenilworth Road
Luton boss Jack Wilshere still feels that a loan move away from the club is the best option for winger Ethon Archer despite his exciting impact off the bench during Tuesday night’s Vertu Trophy clash against Swindon Town.
The 23-year-old, who was signed from League Two Cheltenham Town during the summer, remained at Whaddon Road for the first half of the campaign, as he scored three goals in 28 outings for the Robins, also adding three assists too. When that stint in Gloucestershire ended earlier this month, Archer, who had joined under previous manager Matt Bloomfield, was back in Bedfordshire to try and impress his new boss Jack Wilshere, who stated last week that a loan deal might be the best option for him to continue his development during the current transfer window.
Archer was then involved in the match-day squad for Luton’s Vertu Trophy clash against the Robins on Tuesday night, as a rule change means that playing in the competition wouldn’t prevent him from signing elsewhere and breaching the two club rule that is in place for players, as he was introduced for the final 20 minutes with the hosts 2-1 down and in search of an equaliser.
The former Torquay United attacker almost helped them grab one too, as he immediately demonstrated some of the reasons as to why he was snapped up by the Hatters in the first place, instantly setting off on two speedy bursts forward on the left flank that got the Kenilworth Road crowd out of their seats, sending in one superb inviting cross that was almost turned in by Jerry Yates.
He then had a shot that was gathered by visiting keeper Lewis Ward in the closing stages, and asked whether Archer’s cameo had changed his mind about sending the forward out on loan, Wilshere said: “I wouldn’t say it’s changed my opinion on that, it’s changed my opinion naturally because I hadn’t seen him up close, hadn’t seen him train, hadn’t seen him play so I didn’t know what to expect.
"He showed us a good level, but I think the most important thing for him and for a couple of players in the squad is that we prioritise their development and it goes back to long term thinking, long term strategy. How do we get Ethon Archer in a place where he can help us consistently, where he can start games? And in my opinion that would be a loan.
"As much as when you’re the manager and you have an exciting player like that, to keep him around and maybe off the bench sometimes to help us, that is tempting, but I think we should prioritise him and his development, get him out, get him to play some more games. He’s played a lot of games already this season, so continue that and let’s see where that will be.”
Going into a bit more detail about Archer’s efforts in midweek, as Swindon ran out 2-1 winners, but might be kicked out of the competition after fielding two ineligible players on the night, the boss added: “He’s been good, he’s been good in training, his ability to dribble and his individual quality is really good. I thought he made a difference when he came on, he ran behind a little bit more, he was positive, he was direct with his full back, so I’m happy for him as well.”