It's been a very interesting week for those players out on loan, and a very successful one at that. This week we've got goals, assists, clean sheets, in, outs and much more. So let's get on with this week's Loan Report.
Brett Williams: On His Way to Rotherham
First up, this could possibly be the last time we report on Jake Taylor, as the young midfielder's loan spell at Aldershot came to an end. His last game, a 1-1 draw with Oxford on Saturday with Jake an unused sub, pretty much summed up his time at the Shots. It was a frustrating loan spell for the Welshman, who came to League Two side looking for games, but didn't make his first and only start until last Wednesday in the Carling Cup win over West Ham. It wasn't a particularly enjoyable start either, as he missed an early one-on-one (0:10 in the video) before being subbed on 55 minutes. Aldershot went on to score two goals without Jake to progress to the 2nd Round with a 2-1 win.
Following Jake's departure from his club, Aldershot Manager Dean Holdsworth said, “I am very grateful to Brian McDermott and Reading FC for the co-operation in loaning Jake to us. He is a fine young player and I wish him well in what I am sure will be an excellent career.”
It will be interesting to see what happens now with young Taylor. Despite making the bench a number of times for Reading last season, the limitations of just 5 subs means it's unlikely that he will be able to force his way into the squad. Another loan club looks the most likely probability, and it's up to McDermott to find a club that can offer Jake plenty of first team action.
Meanwhile, Jake has been called up to the Wales Under-21 squad to face Montenegro on September 6th.
Jake in Action for Aldershot for the Last Time
As one comes in, one goes out. Taylor's return was soon followed by the news that striker Brett Williams will be joining Rotherham on loan until January 2012. It comes just days after Reading signed fellow striker Adam Le Fondre from the League Two club, and although manager Andy Scott insists Brett is not a direct replacement for 'Alfie', there's every chance the former Eastleigh man could get his first taste of regular league football for the Millers.
Scott said after signing Brett, "Williams is a good size, over six foot, obviously he is untried but this is an opportunity for him to be involved in league football. He is a goalscorer, he is quick, strong and I am sure he will take to League Two."
This looks like a great move for the young striker, as with 4 natural strikers currently ahead of him in the pecking order, he was only going to be able to get games on loan. Despite a lack of league experience, he's joined a club at the top of League 2 with a a good chance of getting plenty of game time.
We look forward to following his progress over the coming months.
Next up, striker David Murphy has exploded into life since we last reported on him, scoring 3 goals in two games for Evo-Stik side Cirencester. Despite a disappointing debut (see last week's Loan Report), the Irish Under-19 international has hit form, even if his loan club hasn't.
First up, Murphy took on his former club Swindon Supermarine on Wednesday, and after David had put Cirencester 1-0 up, the game sparked into life. The game swung towards either side throughout the match, and when Reading's Irishman scored his second to make the score 4-3 to Cirencester, it looked like they would hang on. But 3 minutes from time, Supermarine equalised. The game stayed at 4-4, and the Centurions got their first point of the season.
Next up was a less than impressive display from the team. Even though Murphy grabbed his 3rd of the season, their opponents Hitchin Town were already 5 goals to the good by then, and the score finished 6-2 to the home side.
Despite being rules out of Monday's clash with Chesham, it's been a successful start for David, and he will hope for more of the same from himself over the coming weeks.
Back in the Football League, and Michail Antonio helped Colchester storm to a 4-1 victory over Oldham. Michail got the assist for the 3rd goal, as Ian Henderson headed in the winger's cross.
He was substituted last on with the game wrapped up, and it was another successful game for the youngster. Having already scored this season, Antonio will hope to continue his form and keep his place int the starting line up at the League One club.
McHugh: A Regular this Season for Dundalk
Finally, it was a good weekend for the other 3 loanees in action over the last week. Dean Santangelo's Bromley lost 3-1 to Dartford on Monday, but he will be happy to have kept a clean sheet two days earlier against Sutton Utd. Bromley won 3-0, with former Royal Harry Harding grabbing on of the Non-League side's goals.
Frankie Raymond played in both of Eastleigh's last two matches, featuring at left-back on both occasions. It as a successful week, with the Blue Square South side winning both matches, 3-1 away to Dorchester and 2-1 at home to Weston-Super-Mare.
Irishman Carl McHugh will be in action tonight in a cup replay against Drogheda. They drew 1-1 in the original tie on Friday, with Carl once again playing the full 90 in defence. A win would put Dundalk into the Quarter Finals of the FAI Cup.
Nicholas Bignall is still injured.