Arsenal’s loanees are some of the most talked about and debated players at the club, with thousands of fans using websites, blogs and social media to put their points across on potential stars of the future.
However, few truly know the daily goings on of players at their loan clubs like the actual supporters of that particular outfit. To get the full perspective on another crop of exciting youngsters, Young Guns’ Loanee Analysis sees me catch up with journalists who follow their club closely.
To get the low-down on Gavin Hoyte, I caught up with Leigh Curtis of the Lincolnshire Echo. He gave me the Lincoln perspective on Gavin.
What was the feeling when Gavin signed for Lincoln?
“Lincoln fans believed it was a great addition amid genuine excitement that Arsène Wenger had allowed one of his young protégés to play in League Two. Everybody was hoping to see a player who fitted the Arsenal mould which was quick, comfortable on the ball but possessed the qualities of a Premier League full-back in attack.”
How has the season been, and what part did Gavin play in it?
“It was a very disappointing season and seeing Gavin damage knee ligaments was one of a number of lowlights. He was exceptional while he was here and contributed to the club’s drive away from the relegation zone in February. From speaking to the players, he was popular in the dressing room not least with the other loan players. Unfortunately, Gavin then injured his knee against Chesterfield and I’ve no doubt he would have been a great asset in the last few games of the season. Whether he would have helped keep them up remains unknown, but they would have certainly stood a better chance.”
What would you consider his highlights this season?
“Personally, I felt his performance at Bradford, in a 2-1 win, was outstanding and showed what a good player he was. In the first half, Bradford attacked him at will and was certainly not being helped out by his winger. On some occasions he was faced with two players, but defended magnificently. He then set-up Delroy Facey’s goal with a free-kick. He never put a foot wrong.”
What would you consider his low-lights this season?
“The knee injury against Chesterfield which ended his season.”
What does the future hold and do you think he’ll make the grade at Arsenal?
“It depends on how long Arsenal are prepared to wait. If you were to ask me whether he is ready now, then I would say no. The situation isn’t helped with Arsenal going six years without a trophy so that patience required for him to develop is not going to exist. I think he’s a terrific player, but I suspect Wenger would rather go out and buy an import, or somebody who is already established, if Bacary Sagna left. He wouldn’t be the first or last English player to leave a big Premier League club without being given an opportunity.”
You can read all the articles in this series in our loanees area.
I remember the time when we knew him as Justin’s better talented little brother.
Poor guy, but he won’t make it, especially now with Jenkings about.
Tis the life of football.
At Arsenal. Hopefully somewhere else.
I think we should let him leave, he isn´t going to get any playing time so it would be good for Gavin.
release him he is never going to make it at us
Wit d effect of 25man rules he is already 21 and will be considered as seniorpro by next summer so goes 4 murphy
Wes Brown and Nicky Butt were never regular starters for Manure but they had long careers, got in the rotation and were capped for England. We need players like them. We need John O’Shea’s who aren’t stars but will get a leg in. Keep his salary low, get him healthy and get him in the rotation. We need to quit worrying about stars and start worrying about organization, heart and desire. This kid bleeds Arsenal. If he is good than he is good.
But he’s not. That’s kinda the point everyone’s making. :-P
Sadly the Hoyte brothers are not good enough. They’re Arsenal thru and thru but Gavin is not going to make it here. Time to release the lad. I’m sure he’ll be a fine championship or league 1 player.
Players i will lyke arsenal 2 release hyote murphy eastmond(1990) watt sunu(1991)
I’m sure he’s a nice guy but he’s worse than Justin, and he was bloody woeful.
Youngsters who might make it 1989 botelho 1990 jet henri 1991 bartley coquelin shea henderson 1992 frimpong ryo freeman nico miquel galindo ozy martinez 1993 wellington afobe aneke
Hi guys if not some reasons imagine dis line up Mannone GK Jenkinson RB Botelho LB Frimpong DM Bartley CB
Miquel CB Lansbury RM Coquelin CM J.E.T CF Henderson AM Miyaichi LM
I don’t like to be critical of any of the young guys, particularly those with good application, but suffice to say with three right backs now ahead of him and all likely to be here next season – no doubt more in the pipeline 2 or 3 years behind, there is little if any chance of him becoming a regular and is almost now a senior player in the squad list, so best to let him go, would be a very good league one player and one I’d like to see do well.
I read somewhere earlier that QPR have £40m to spend to try and build a complete new team with premier league experience. Well give us Taraabt and £40m and you can have this team
Almunia
Eboue Hoyte Squillaci Clichy
Eastmond Denilson
Diaby
Rosicky Bendtner Vela
and we will throw in 8 youngsters for your bench 3 permanent
Murphy, Watt, Sunu
and 5 on loan
Mannone, Miquel, Frimpong, Henderson, Ozyakup
Sounds like a good deal for both clubs.
Almunia
Eboue Hoyte Squillaci Clichy
Eastmond Denilson
Diaby
Rosicky Bendtner Vela
…..as funny as you think you are. That would be a very good prem lge team. They would definitely be mid-table.
Clichy is a quality left-back, in my humble opinion.