Scunthorpe United have stepped up their summer recruitment by signing free agent striker Ryan Loft on a two-year contract.
The 22-year-old is a former Leicester City and Tottenham youngster, who was released by the Foxes in the summer. Last season, he spent time on loan with Carlisle United, for whom he bagged four goals.
The Gravesend-born striker has previously had loan spells with Braintree, Stevenage and Exeter City, but failed to score for any of those clubs during his short stays. His Carlisle stint saw him make just four starts, but appear 26 times in total.
Standing at 6ft 4in, Loft will add an aerial presence to the Iron’s attack, with manager Neil Cox excited about what he can bring to the squad.
“Ryan’s a big centre forward who we’ve signed to come here and score goals,” he told the club’s official site. “He puts himself about. We’ve brought him here to lead the line but he’s better than just a target man. He wants to get in the box, score goals, bring people into play and has pace that can get him down the side of teams too.
“He’s someone I’ve watched for a while now and have done a lot of homework on him, and know a lot about him. I’ve watched a lot of clips and seen a lot of games, so when he came available he was one I was very keen to get over the line.”
Loft, who joined Spurs after appearing for Dartford and Ebbsfleet, is looking forward to turning out for the Iron after a summer of uncertainty.
“It’s good to be here as a signed player. This is my team and I’m looking forward to giving what I’ve got,” he said. “It’s been uncertain times over the last few months, but now it’s time to really knuckle down, be committed and give everything I can for the team.”
However, not everyone is reacting positively to the news. Carlisle United fans, amongst others, have taken to Twitter to express their opinions on the forward.
Have you taken our Scunthorpe United & Lincoln City rivalry quiz?
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😂 😂 😂 All the best. So bad
— ccoulthard (@ccoulthard) August 31, 2020
Again a striker? How many upfront is he gonna play?
— Henk Kuiper (@HenkKuiper2104) August 31, 2020
https://twitter.com/AshleyIain4/status/1300418520921051136
he’s a good 0 goals a season type of striker
— Thomas (@thomas_cufc24) August 31, 2020
aye well good luck turning him into a great player
— Thomas (@thomas_cufc24) August 31, 2020
Ffs🤣🤦🏻♂️ unlucky boys
— Jake Carruthers🇺🇸 (@jakecarruthers5) August 31, 2020
https://twitter.com/BluesCufc/status/1300435343771082752
https://twitter.com/LMadden2002/status/1300441038973276161
