Wilshere thinks Ravens switch is a 'good move' for Luton attacker
Archer heads to fellow League One side for the season
Luton boss Jack Wilshere feels that attacker Ethon Archer’s season-long loan switch to fellow League One side Bromley represents a ‘good move’ for the winger.
The 23-year-old had joined the Hatters in the summer transfer window 12 months ago, snapped up from League Two outfit Cheltenham Town, but stayed with the Robins for the first half of the campaign, playing 20 times and scoring twice. Archer was then recalled by Town in January, making his debut when coming off the bench in Luton’s 2-1 Vertu Trophy loss against Swindon Town, although the Hatters were eventually restored to the competition, going on to win it, due to the visitors playing two ineligible players.
Despite impressing in his cameo, Archer was on his way again later that month, signing for League One team Port Vale, netting three times in 23 matches, including two wonderful free kicks in the 3-1 success at Peterborough United, although he couldn’t quite help the Valiants stay up. Having made 52 first team appearances in total, Wilshere had spoken about taking a look at the forward when Luton returned for pre-season, but he has now headed to a Ravens side who won promotion to the third tier after winning the League Two title last term.
Asked for the reason behind Archer’s exit, Wilshere said: “You always have that period where we were talking about it in the off season, as we wanted Ethan to come in and be with the group. He did and spent a couple of days with us and then you get an offer, a good offer, which we think is good for him.
"It’s closer to us than it was last year, probably it’s closer to his home as well, so he wanted it. Then you’ve got a decision to make and it’s a good move. He’s in League One, he’s in a team that have just come up so they’re going to be competitive, they’re going to be fighting, and that’s probably what he needs.”
Archer, who had a lengthy spell in non-league at side such as Whyteleafe, Bedfont Sports, Sutton Common Rovers, Horley Town, Raynes Park Vale, Welling United and Three Bridges, before getting his chance in the Football League, is now looking to have a real impact at the Copperjax Community Stadium, as he told the club’s official website: “It's a very good feeling, I'm buzzing to be here and I can't wait to get going to help the cub do as well as possible in the league.
"It's a very, very good club, good facilities and well run. I feel like I'm going to get on really well with the boys. I’ve seen a few of them and it's a very good group, so I'm happy with what I'm seeing so far and I feel like I'll fit in quite easily. It’s like being on the doorstep for me so it's nice. I feel like I’m going to be comfortable, calm and that will get the best out of my game.”
Having had half a season at the level last term, Archer is confident he will be able to use that knowledge to help his new side in their first year in the third tier, saying: “It was a very good experience. I’ve learned quite a lot about the level and I feel like that has aided me to kick on and do well this season. On top of that, we played against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (in the FA Cup), so my time at Port Vale was very good and I’m nothing but grateful for that.”
With Archer impressing the Town fans during his few minutes at Kenilworth Road, he hopes to do something similar to his new supporters at Vale Park, as on the kind of player they will get to witness, he said: “For those who have seen me, they’d probably describe me as skilful and I’d probably agree with that. Sharp, I feel like I like to get the crowd off their seats when they’re watching me, so I might pull out something a bit flashy here and there, but very direct as well. I feel like it’s going to be a very good experience for me, I hope they take a liking to me, but I’m sure they will.”
Although this is now Archer’s third loan spell since joining Luton, he believes the previous moves have really aided him become the player he is now, adding: “It’s helped me become a man. I moved away from home for about three years now, and it hasn't been close to home, they've all been quite far, they've all been good experiences and have helped me and mould me to what I am today really.”