I've seen an interesting read in the Leighton buzzard observer regards comments from luton towns manager paul buckle on gills defender connor essam. connor essam was on loan at luton fc up until last week due to Gillingham fc recalling him back to the club. now on his return to us paul buckle stated that he wanted essam to stay with luton on loan...even though he wasn't playing every game for them whilst on loan, buckle was disappointed that he was not staying any longer because he's been great for us and outstanding. the interesting read was from buckles point of view saying....."it's been a successful loan and i'm sure connor's got other interests now in terms of other clubs after him, thats what i'm lead to believe" now does that last statement mean he could be loaned out again to a club higher than luton or that he's on his way out of the club, even though he's just signed a longterm deal with us, because everything doesn't seem right at this moment in time, when he seemed so promising towards the end of last season ??? all I've heard is he needed to lose some pounds and his strength had to improve after his pre-season showings or that martin allen doesn't rate him high enough ? I believe he has so much to offer us and now fear him moving on should matters not change...especially after buckle's comments !!! thoughts ?
I have to admit that Martin Allen has 'confused' me this season - in terms of player preference. For example - Matt Fish was poor last season - yet he has earned his place with m.o.m performances. Frampton appears 'worthy' of his selection ( despite younger, more mobile centre backs in the squad. ) Barrett came to us with less than flattering comments from the fans of Bournemouth - but has been brilliant in our defence. It appears that MA has managed to get these players to perform at a higher level than I expected. I too would have liked to have seen Essam in the side - but as it stands you can't really criticise MA for his choices. Essam needs to be loaned out to maintain his 'match awareness.' He needs to be patient. I would be surprised if Frampton's fitness will be able to last, Flanagan may return to MK Dons in January. This would leave us light in CB numbers ( before any injuries/ suspensions ) Essam is part of our future - along with the other young players that MA and his team are developing for our assault up the league.
I agree with alwaysright, that you can not criticise MA for his choices, although not suggesting anyone was. Although I do find it strange that he came back from Luton and has not even made the bench. He appeared to be happy with his loan spell, he was getting in the first team and match time. The Luton fans generally seemed to like him and would have welcomed him to be able to stay longer. So the only question I would have to ask is why was he was not allowed to stay longer at least for his own mental and self confidence. We could have recalled him surely at any time if needed. It did cross my mind that Luton might have dispensed with his services, already having cover in that area and he was an unnecessary luxury, however, that was not how reports appear to have read. Were they not training him to the level required, doubt that would be it. Maybe MA has plans in the coming games and did not want to risk injury to him. So many questions, without knowing the answers. I do feel for the lad, that it seems more and more unlikely that he is not going to get his chance. Let's be honest, after Tuesday's game it is going to be very difficult if not crazy to dislodge Davies from the starting line up. Then we have Flanagan also. Spoilt for choices as spectators but it is keeping that player confidence and moral when they are not making the team. That's why I felt Luton filled that gap for the time being. As alwaysright said Essam is part of the future but how are we developing him in these current days. I assume he is back on the training ground with all the lads.
I thought I read that Connor didn't make the pitch in his last game at Luton and MA didn't extend the loan for that reason. I also don't think Connor actually started & finished any/many games for them although I may be wrong. Anyway, I think you will find that both Connor Essam and Callum Davies will be our 'rotating' CB's alongside Adam Barrett once Tom Flanagan returns to MK Dons. I also think that both will eventually be sold for decent money to Championship sides over the next season or 2, unless we ourselves look likely to end up there. And when one or both does move on, we have the guy from Maidenhead ready to be the next 'rising star' of our CB's. I think the future is looking pretty rosy.
I just had a look into this a bit further SirKeefy, he started a majority of games for them although did not play in probably the last one before being recalled and substituted in the second half in the previous two. Remembering his loan had already been previously extended. Looking at the Hatter fans comments, they generally would like to have kept him but they had adequate cover in that area, to which one fan commented the concern of development on others, while Essam was there. I also noted that Luton lost to Hereford Tuesday.
Fair comments from the Hatters fans I suppose. We have been saying the same about having Tom Flanagan here taking the place of Davies & Essam. Anyway, I certainly hope MA sees Callum & Connor as the future for our centre-back pairing and that both are kept here and in the squad. Both would seem to have good careers ahead of them if they keep progressing.
"even though he wasn't playing every game for them whilst on loan" key statement for me, for whatever reason he wasnt getting regular week in week out games which is often what the point of a loan deal is to get player fitness and match sharpness up. maybe allen has got something lined up in terms of another loan to a club where he will play week in week out or one higher up the football ladder maybe. Maybe it was just we had a couple of niggles across the defence and Allen didnt want to risk not having him avaliable should he need him, especailly as frampton is seen as lb and dm cover rather than cb cover
Hopefully you've nailed it jokeykid. He plays in a position where experience counts for a lot more than in other positions, and to a certain extent I can see MA's reasoning in preferring more experienced centre backs that taking what he might perceive to be a 'chance' on a younger and less experienced player. I don't think anyone doubts Essam's ability, it's just a matter of how best to give him experience whilst ensuring that our central defence is not compromised. For that reason I'm a bit surprised he's not been on the bench since his return. If he's not playing regularly on loan, then he could always come on as a sub in matches if the result of the game were considered 'safe'. I'd be surprised if he did go out to a higher division club on loan - if they reckon he's good enough for that level, but MA doesn't then that opens other questions.
Connor back on the bench today! It coincides with the bad news tonight about Flanagan's injury that will keep him out for eight weeks or so (till the end of his loan?) This is a chance for Connor to establish himself in 18 man squad maybe.
Yeah, that is real bad news about Tom Flanagan. I hear he has already gone back to MK. Good luck to him for a speedy recovery and a great future. All the best Tom
Just thought I would ressurrect this thread after Mad Dog said this today in the KM: http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/sport/2012/november/23/connor_essam.aspx for me this is great news, I absolutely love seeing Connor in back line and lets hope now he gets a few more games!
