Luton Town striker Joe Gbodé has joined National League side Woking on loan until the end of the season as he looks to gain valuable first-team minutes during the second half of the campaign.
The 20-year-old arrived at Kenilworth Road from League Two Gillingham on summer transfer deadline day and has since made eight appearances for the Hatters, taking his total to 13 outings for the season across both clubs.
But most of his appearances for Luton so far came under former boss Matt Bloomfield and he has not featured in a League One match-day squad under current manager Jack Wilshere, who has only used him in two Vertu Trophy ties since October.
With opportunities limited in Bedfordshire, the move will see him link up with Neal Ardley’s side as they push for a place in the fifth-tier play-offs and continue their FA Trophy run, including a local derby against Walton & Hersham in the last 16 next week.
Explaining the move, Woking director of football Jody Brown told the Cards’ website: “A former colleague of mine, now at Luton mentioned Joe to me which encouraged us to look closer.
“He displayed many of the attributes we were profiling for, especially after the loss of Josh Kelly. The data measured him high in many areas at a level above the National League, so we’re confident in his readiness to impact games for us.
“I think had he not already featured for Gillingham and Luton Town this season, he’d stay in the EFL, but rules don’t allow it.
“Joe came to watch one of our recent home games with his family, and feels enthusiastic about the opportunity to come and be part of our group for the second half of this season, which is important. He’s not cup tied for the FA Trophy.
“Powerful, direct, strong in one vs one situations, and is versatile enough to play down the middle or wide in our favoured systems, I think he’s the kind of player our supporters will enjoy watching.”
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