The first of our U23s to be sent out on loan - to L2 Bristol Rovers and for the season. He had a good first season in the U23s but his destination says something about the perceived gap between the U23s and PL football.

Hope the loan works for you Sion and you come back a better player.

Best of luck, nice place Bristol, with a bit of rough thrown in.

Red and Blue Army!

Hope he does well down there. Got a mate who is a big Rovers fan so I'm sure he'll keep me updated on how he does. Barton is ringing the changes down there with 8 new arrivals so far.

Hmm, who would be a good role model for one of our up-and-coming youth players? Oh yes, a man with a prison record for assault who is on trial for another assault and who has a history of beating up his team-mates. Good luck Sion - just learn to duck and weave!

Most of the time it appears that 2 and/or 3 apply. I don't recall any of our loanees in recent years coming back and establishing themselves. As for Spence I fear this will apply to him also.

I always feel that it must be fairly tough for a youngster going out on loan. It often entails moving many miles away from home, family and friends. I don't know what accomodation they get but I am pretty sure it is not 5 star. You can't put down any roots as you know it is only a temporary measure.

Also I can imagine there may be some resentment from the players of the club they are on loan to if the loanee ousts a "home" player from the team. They'd probably like nothing better than to see a fancy Dan player from a Premier League club brought down to size.