Luton boss Jack Wilshere has admitted that Jerry Yates’ confidence was affected during a challenging spell in League One, after the striker left for a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday.
The 29-year-old today joined the Championship for the remainder of the season after finding opportunities limited under Wilshere, following the manager’s appointment in October.
Yates was signed to great fanfare, reports of a seven-figure fee and paraded around Kenilworth Road just before Luton kicked off their campaign at home to AFC Wimbledon and though he scored seven goals, the most of any Town striker this term, Nahki Wells was preferred to him.
The Doncaster-born forward was then omitted entirely from Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to ten-man Huddersfield, with Wilshere opting to play midfielder Jordan Clark as a false number nine.
Wilshere admitted that external pressure, including social media reactions, had an impact on Yates, despite praising his effort and attitude during his time at Kenilworth Road.
“I know at times it was tough for him,” said the Hatters boss, adding: “When you talk about the social media side of things, he was probably one that suffered from that a lot and his confidence was low and it just didn’t quite work out for him.
“I hope he finds his confidence. I hope he scores some goals. He’s still our player. He’s on loan. So he’ll be back in the summer and let’s see if he comes back a different Jerry Yates.”
But Wilshere pointed to differences in playing style as the main reason, the forward was allowed to leave on loan.
“When I came here, and I started working with the squad, I must say, Yatesy being one of them, he’s been excellent,” Wilshere said.
“He’s been excellent with his attitude and his commitment to try and help the team. But I have a different way of playing than the last manager, and he had a different way of playing than the last manager.
“So I think that always happens at clubs and, yeah, it’s probably best for him at this moment.
“It’s a loan. So, you know, let’s see how he gets on. We’ll still keep our eye on him, still keep in touch with him.
“I spoke to him yesterday and said how much respect I have for him because it’s my first job as a coach and sometimes it was difficult for him when he weren’t playing, but his attitude was spot on.”
Yates is the second player this month that Luton have let leave on loan to a team in the Championship after Milli Alli joined Portsmouth.
Asked why they pair struggled in League One, but have moved to the division above, the Hatters boss said: “I think it’s quite simple that there’s different ways of playing. Clubs have different needs. Clubs have different financial situations, where they might have to take a risk on a player from a lower league.
“I think in the cases you’re talking about, I’ve already spoken about about Milli and my thoughts on him. And, again, we had a really good open conversation with Yates about maybe it was a little bit of style that I want and, he probably need someone up there next to him to try and feed off a little bit more.”
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