It’s been a season to remember for Ipswich Town after gaining automatic promotion back to the Championship. But for youngster Elkan Baggott it’s been a season of two halves.
It was celebrations all round as Ipswich secured promotion back to the Championship after a fine season, but youngster Elkan Baggott may be one of the few players in the squad feeling a little frustrated after the end to his season.
Baggott spend the first half of the season on loan with League Two Gillingham, where he was a regular in Neil Harris’ side. However, in January he was recalled from his loan and sent out to fellow League One side Cheltenham Town, for the remainder of the season. Game time at the Robins has been hard to come by for the young man.
His Time With Gillingham?
The first half of this season is one that most Gillingham fans will be eager to forget, the Kent club sat bottom of League Two at Christmas and looked set to fall out of the Football League. However, the arrival of American businessman Bradley Galinson and his family as new owners at Priestfield, saw the Gills change their fate and stay safe in League Two for another season.
But one thing Gills fans won’t mind talking about is the performances of young Elkan Baggott, now that isn’t to say he was perfect, because he was far from that. However, it’s safe to say, apart from a few mistakes he was a diamond in the rough for Neil Harris.
At times his inexperience definitely shone through, but he certainly didn’t look out of his depth. It was clear to see why Cheltenham took him from the Gills in January.
He appeared 29 times during his stint with the Gills impressing across the league. His biggest asset was of course the aerial threat he possesses, at 6,3 he was certainly a handful from corners and managed to bag three goals for the Gills.
At the time, I think it’s fair to say, Gills fans were disappointed to see the young man leave, with the club deep into a relegation battle and Baggott looking to be a vital part of Harris’ plans. However, that mindset changed when fan favourite Conor Masterson returned to the club to fill the gap left by Baggott. You’d think if Baggott hadn’t left, Masterson may never have come back to Priestfield and signed his now permanent deal with the club.
To summarise, overall it was a successful time in Kent despite the misfortune of the team as a whole, Baggott was certainly making a name for himself.
Onto Cheltenham.
Baggott probably did earn his chance to have a crack at League One following his performances at Gills. But it’s just the one solitary appearance for the Robins since joining in January, in a game where they ended up on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline against Barnsley.
It wasn’t only the lack of game time, that was an issue he found it hard to even make the squad, out of the 18 league games he was available for he only made the team sheet in seven.
It was a tough break for him following such a promising start to the season.
The International Implication.
The 20-year-old has had the honour of representing Indonesia on a number of occasions this season, but this has sometimes come at the expense of his game time at club level.
It is of course an honour to represent your country, however, this certainly became hinderance to his club side.
On a number of occasions with Gillingham, we would either miss the game due to this International commitments or he would be not at full fitness and unable to make the starting eleven.
What’s next?
Well, he has got two years left to run on his deal with the Tractorboys but with their promotion to the Championship, it’s doubtful he would be in the frame to challenge for a first-team place.
I’d imagine it will be another loan to gain experience away from Portman Road, to increase his chances of being able to push for a starting position and a new deal at Ipswich.
I doubt he will want to spend another season on the sidelines at Cheltenham but where could the 20-year-old end up?
Potential Destinations
Swindon Town
New Swindon boss Michael Flynn will be looking to put his stamp on the side ahead of his first season as Swindon boss. It’s been a up and down season at the County Ground and fans will be hoping they will have more fortune next season and start to push towards that return to League One.
Baggott could be the perfect fit for them, he’s young and exciting. He looked assured in the Gillingham defence at the beginning of the season and could have added to any side in League Two including Swindon.
MK Dons
An extremely disappointing season for MK Dons as they were relegated down to League Two. We are yet to see the effects that relegation will have on the Dons, but one thing is for sure they will need to steady the ship. You’d imagine they will need to replace a few names that may head for the door.
Although I don’t think Baggott will walk straight into the side, he would certainly be a real asset to the squad.
Doncaster Rovers
A fan base desperate for fresh ideas after a disappointing first season back in League Two, following regelation last season.
New manager Grant McCann will be looking to add and improve his squad to deliver on the high expectations of the Doncaster fan base. Baggott more than proved he would be an asset at this level, again like with the Dons I don’t think he walks straight into the side, but football is a squad game these days and he would certainly be an asset to any side.
Writer’s View
Ultimately as a Gills fan, I was extremely disappointed when Baggott left for Cheltenham in January.
However, it did open the door for Masterson’s return to the club, so looking back it actually worked out well for us.
Although it isn’t nice to see the struggle he has had during his time with Cheltenham, I do believe he has an extremely high potential certainty at this level or even higher.
I don’t see him playing League One football next season, I’d imagine a League Two side will snap him up during the summer window. I just hope he can find his form and prove that he is capable of playing at the top end of League Two and above.
I wouldn’t say no to having him back at Gillingham but I also wouldn’t actively seek it with Masterson signing permanently. I don’t think he would get into our starting eleven on a regular basis, however, he would certainly be great for the squad.
Wherever he ends up I hope he gets the game time he deserves.
