Leeds have done Joey Barton and Fleetwood Town a huge favour today by agreeing to loan Lewie Coyle back to the club for another 6 months. The product of the Leeds youth academy spent an entire season there and was expected to be part of the plans this season at Elland Road.
Leeds fans were shocked to hear the rumours that Fleetwood wanted Lewie Coyle back let alone the cheek they think they could loan him for another year. 24 hours later and Coyle joins Fleetwood on a 6 month loan. Joey Barton probably couldn’t believe his luck, arguably the best player Fleetwood Town had on their books last season coming back without having to worry about paying any money for his services, his wages will also probably be spilt between the clubs.
📰 | #LUFC can confirm Lewie Coyle has rejoined League One side Fleetwood Town on loan until January
— Leeds United (@LUFC) June 27, 2018
Coyle isn’t necessarily a “youngster” anymore, he played his part under Garry Monk and had made his mark before that in the academy. He actually broke into the Leeds team a lot later than most youngsters do and did impress but his issue was simple, Leeds are overloaded in his position. Luke Ayling is the number one right-back and you also have Gaetano Berardi. Vurnon Anita was signed last summer for some unknown reason and barely kicked a ball from the right-back position.
Despite having all of these options Berardi spent a chunk of the season suspended and Ayling half of it injured. Anita didn’t perform and it had patches with Stuart Dallas at right-back and even Matthew Pennington had a game there towards the end of the season. Very good on the ball and tough Coyle is a very tidy player and his attitude is fantastic. Joey Barton has a lot to thank Leeds for in this instance. The controversial ex-Manchester City, Newcastle and Rangers player is taking on his first role in management and will be looking to improve on a disappointing season at Fleetwood Town.
Ex-Leeds boss Uwe Rosler was sacked last season after a disappointing start and replaced by John Sherian at the helm. Barton is expected to give Fleetwood a fresh look although it’s fair to say that many aren’t convinced he’ll make the grade in football coaching.
