Archer to join Luton as Cheltenham loan spell ends

Ethon Archer will officially report back to Luton Town next week after the conclusion of his loan spell with Cheltenham Town.

The winger, who was signed under former boss Matt Bloomfield, will now link up with Jack Wilshere’s first team squad for the first time since completing his permanent move to Kenilworth Road on the summer transfer deadline day, when he was immediately loaned back to the Gloucestershire side.

Archer made his final appearance for Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, and leaves the Robins having made 81 appearances for the League Two club since initially joining from Torquay United in the summer of 2024. This season alone, the south Londoner featured 28 times in all competitions, scoring three goals.

The Robins boss Steve Cotterill was quick to praise the 23-year-old following Cheltenham’s 4-1 defeat at Crewe Alexandra on New Year’s Day, admitting Archer’s departure would be keenly felt.

“I keep an eye on lots of players who I’ve had throughout my career so Ethan will be another one of those players,” he told Gloucestershire Live. “I’ve said to him any time he needs to call me I’ll be on the end of the phone and if I don’t answer it it’s probably because I’m on it, so in January it might be tough for him, but any other time I would be there for him. He’s been a great kid.”

Cotterill added: “I’m really pleased for him as I know a little about his upbringing, his background as we’ve had conversations and I love it when kids like him get the opportunities.”

Archer has previously featured for clubs including Whyteleafe, Sutton Common Rovers, Bedfont Sports, Raynes Park Vale, Three Bridges and Welling United before earning his move into the Football League.

“I wish him all the best and I hope it goes really, really well for him, I will miss him being around for sure,” Cotterill said, adding: “He’s a young boy that’s come through non-league, come up the hard way, fights like hell for his family.”

Archer was signed by former manager Matt Bloomfield, but will now look to impress Wilshere in training as Luton assess their attacking options ahead of the second half of the season.