Luton striker Joe Taylor has joined Colchester United on a season-long loan, with the League Two side chasing him since April.
The 20-year-old joined the Hatters in January from Peterborough United and made six appearances for the Hatters including in the Championship play-off final win over Coventry City, where he saw a late winner chalked off by VAR but scored in the penalty shootout.
Speaking to Col U TV, Taylor said: “We went away with Luton to Slovenia and we came back from that pre-season camp and I realised that potentially I wasn’t going to get as much game time at Luton this year as I would’ve liked.
“It was all about sitting down with the gaffer and sorting out a potential loan move. I think the gaffer here, Ben (Garner), he’s been on at Luton quite a few times about me, so I think it was the perfect match.
“Geographically, it works out for me perfectly as well, and I like the way Ben plays and the vision that he has for the club, so I’m just excited to get going.”
He added: “This season, for me, is just about game time and getting minutes and not just showing Luton, but showing people, Colchester and people that watch League Two that I can compete at this level.”
Colchester boss Garner club’s official website: “We’re really excited to sign Joe. It’s a transfer we’ve been really patient with, as he’s a player that was identified here when I first came in.
“I first spoke with Rob Edwards at Luton in April and that’s been a continual communication and into pre-season.
“We’re absolutely delighted Joe is here as I really like his character, most importantly, we really like his ability and what he’s going to bring to us.
“I think he gives us a nice balance in the forward area and I’m looking forward to seeing him get going.
“He’s a young, dynamic, quick forward and we think he’s going to be a really good addition for us.
“I want to thank Luton Town for their help with that, because it’s been ongoing since the end of last season. We’re really pleased that we’ve managed to get it over the line.
“We’ve got three really good what we would class as senior forwards, but Joe gives us something different.
“He’s an on-the-shoulder player, he’s very quick, he’s very powerful and he’s a finisher.
“We think he’ll really complement the group and we’re really happy with the front end of the team.”
