Lincoln City head coach Michael Skubala has addressed an unlikely return for striker Joe Taylor amid rumours linking him with a move to Huddersfield Town.
After excelling on loan during the first half of last season with Colchester United, the 21-year-old was recalled by parent club Luton Town in January. A move to Lincoln followed, with the Hatters keen to see how the attacker would fare in League One.
His time at the Imps was a resounding success. He hit 10 goals in 19 appearances, including six in March. This culminated in him winning the division’s Young Player of the Month and also helped his new club surge up the table. Skubala’s team would ultimately miss out on a place in the play-offs on the final day following a defeat against champions Portsmouth.
With Luton suffering relegation from the Premier League, it seemed inevitable that Taylor would earn his shot at Championship football. However, Rob Edwards has so far managed to keep many of his attacking options at the club, leading to rumours that the ex-Peterborough United man may be set for another temporary spell away from Kenilworth Road.
Football Insider reported last month that Watford were hoping to strike a deal, but that link quickly went cold. Since then, there have been rumblings that a return to the third tier may be on the cards with Huddersfield Town.
Journalist Alan Nixon claimed yesterday that the Terriers are closing in on a loan deal, although there have been social media rumours that a permanent transfer may be agreed. Understandably though, his availability has brought about speculation that a return to Sincil Bank could be a possibility. Lincoln boss Skubala addressed the situation with BBC Radio Lincolnshire, saying:
“First and foremost, he’s a Luton player. He did really well for us, he did really well at Colchester before us and scored goals.
“It will be no surprise to you or me that Luton will have lots of options for Joe if they thought he was not a part of their squad. But at the minute, the movement is probably not happening. Luton don’t know what is happening, so even if he was to come to us or somewhere else, it’s probably something that will happen late in the window.
“Also, they’ll have permanent options for Joe. I don’t think it’s a case that Joe is just available for loan, even if he is, because at the minute he is a part of Luton’s team and part of Rob’s (Edwards) team and looking to play in the Championship, which is where he’d want to play as well.
“If it wasn’t a loan, I can imagine there will be lots of clubs trying to sign Joe on a permanent as well, which in all honesty, will probably move him out of our market, because you would talk millions I think.
“I’m not sure whether we can just focus on Joe Taylor and hope he comes back. We have to look at all the top targets at the same point.
“If Joe comes back, I think he can still develop with us. Flip it, I still think Joe has a lot of improvement to do.”
Writer’s View
Skubala’s comments seem to insinuate that he would be thrilled to welcome Joe Taylor back to the club. However, he does seem almost resigned to the fact that it is unlikely to happen.
The striker was a big hit amongst Lincoln fans and he thoroughly enjoyed his time at the LNER Stadium. He’s made no secret of the fact that he wants to try his hand at the Championship, which has also been backed up by the Imps boss. The Huddersfield rumours are becoming louder though, which has clearly caught Lincoln’s attention. If he is willing to move back into League One, there will be an almighty fight for his signature.
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