2016/17 Season Loan Report

Sam Morsy was signed in January 2016, and our form massively improved after his arrival. For the club to tell him to find another club after such a good opening season, it came as a real shock to most of us. Barnsley took on the option of loaning him, he played 12 times and really impressed. When Warren Joyce recalled him, Barnsley made a move to sign him permanently. Thankfully, Morsy signed a one year contract extension and remained at Latics. He is one of a few players that deserve credit this season, his attitude since returning has been exceptional, and I think we should look to be building the team around him and Gilbey next season.

After failing to make an impact last season, Sanmi Odelusi joined League One side Rochdale on a season-long loan. However, the loan was terminated In January, Odelusi scored one goal in 19 appearance – his only goal coming against Notts County in the EFL Cup. The English forward also struggled for game time in Blackpool, scoring just one goal in a 1-4 defeat to Carlisle. His future at Latics doesn’t look great, and I expect him to be offloaded to a League Two side this summer.

Jack Hendry and Ryan Colclough were both loaned out to MK Dons. Hendry joined Latics with big potential, clearly a ball playing centre half, which Gary Caldwell wanted. Playing time was key for the young defender, and Caldwell felt MK Dons was a good club for his development. Hendry helped his side keep a clean sheet on debut, he went on to make 12 appearances. The Scot returns with some experience under his belt, and could be about to play a big role in our promotion push next season.

Colclough was the biggest surprise for me last summer. He didn’t look a complete player last season, but certainly one with a lot of potential. Confidence, pace and an old fashioned winger who loves to run at his full back. The young winger scored five goals in 12 League One matches, including a hat-trick away at Fleetwood Town. Joyce recalled him in January, looking to give everyone a fresh start. Ryan made nine appearances for us this season, but along with a lot of the squad, wasn’t good enough to keep us up. If the new manager likes playing with quick, wide men, Colclough will be influential next season. With some coaching on his final ball and decision making, he could be a very good player for us in the future.

Nathan Byrne is another player who could have a future at Latics. A young, energetic and versatile player with plenty to prove. Byrne joined Charlton in January for the rest of the season and went on to play 16 times for the Addicks. Since leaving on loan, Byrne has admitted he hates playing right back. A successful spell at Charlton, will hopefully see him returning full of confidence and looking to be a pivotal player for us next season.

Kaiyne Woolery made the biggest highlights of our loaned out players this season. The young striker scored two goals against Tranmere in the play-off final at Wembley, to help his side achieve promotion to League Two for the very first time. Woolery is only 22, and another loan spell is probably the best move for his development.