Young Hatters winger heads out on a youth loan to Eagles

Luton winger Joshua Phillips has joined National League North side Bedford Town on a youth loan.

The 20-year-old, who moved to Kenilworth Road back in 2023 having been with Fulham’s academy as a youngster, has already been on loan this term, moving to National League South side Torquay United earlier in the campaign, going on to played four times for the Gulls, with two starts against Horsham and Dover, plus two substitute outings as well.

He also came back to Kenilworth Road for his third appearance in a Luton shirt too, coming off the bench in the 4-1 Vertu Trophy victory against Barnet last month, having featured in the Carabao Cup defeat at Coventry City, making his debut in the Championship when Town headed to Bristol City in December 2024.

Phillips will now join the Eagles and could make his debut during their trip to Worksop on Saturday, as a club statement from the Hatters said: “Joshua Phillips will head out on his second loan of the season by joining our National League North neighbours Bedford Town on a youth loan. The 20-year-old forward penned a contract extension at Kenilworth Road in June after impressing with Alex Lawless' Under-21s, and he made his second senior appearance for the Town in August's Carabao Cup first round defeat to Coventry.

"He has already spent a month at Step 2 this season, making four appearances for Torquay United in National League South, with a second sub run-out for the Hatters also coming in the 4-1 Vertu Trophy win over Barnet. Josh will be in line to make his Eagles debut on their trip to Worksop on Saturday, and will continue to be eligible to play for the Town in the Trophy at Cambridge on Tuesday night. Good luck at The Eyrie, Josh!”

Meanwhile, Bedford themselves added: “Bedford Town Football Club is delighted to announce the loan signing of Joshua Phillips. The young attacking midfielder joins us on loan from Luton Town until 4th November. 20-year old Josh began his career at Fulham’s academy before joining Luton Town in 2023. Last season he spent one month on loan at Bath City in the National League South in October. Upon his return to Kenilworth Road, he made his first team debut as a substitute against Bristol City in December.

“Since then, Josh has had a loan spell with Torquay United and now signs at The Eyrie until 4th November. Josh also featured and scored for Luton's U23 side who knocked The Eagles out of the Bedfordshire Senior Challenge Cup in the 2023-24 season, in a 2-0 win. Josh impressed and scored for Lee Bircham’s side in the 3-3 friendly draw against Chesham United and is now eligible to play for the Eagles this coming Saturday against Worksop. We look forward to seeing Josh in an Eagles shirt over the next month. Please give him a warm Eyrie welcome.”