England U20 international signs on loan from Newcastle
Luton Town Football Club are delighted to announce the loan signing of Newcastle United attacking midfielder Alex Gilliead.
The 20-year-old arrives on a deal until January 7th 2017, and Kenilworth Road is a ground the England Under-20 international knows well having scored against the Hatters last November while on loan at Carlisle, for whom he made 35 appearances last term.
Speaking to lutontown.co.uk after completing his move, Gilliead said: “I came on in the game here and we were 3-1 down, but I managed to get a goal and we came back to win 4-3, so I’ve got fond memories of playing here.
“I remember there was a cracking atmosphere and the fans got right behind their team even though we won the game in the end.
“I love the old-fashioned stadium and the noise was incredible. I remember thinking at the time ‘It’d be good to have this on my side’, so when the chance arose to come here on loan, it didn’t need much consideration.
“The manager has brought some good players to the club this season and when I spoke to him, I could tell he’s got a plan for what he wants to do this season and I wouldn’t mind being a part of it.
“Coming from Newcastle and the north-east and moving south, it’s a big move for me; a new challenge. I’ve never been away from home before so I see this all as part of my development as a player and a person.”
Manager Nathan Jones was delighted Newcastle have decided that Kenilworth Road is the best place for him to continue that development.
The Welshman said: “Alex ticks every box for us. He’s young, hungry and wants to do well. He’s technically very good, he’s fit and he fits in nicely with our group.
“I have known him since my time at Brighton. He is a fantastic young player and one that is going to provide even more competition and quality to the side we have. It’s a real coup for the club, the fact that he wants to come here, we are excited to have him.
“He’s an attacking midfielder. He can play wide or just off the front and he is a real good footballer. He ticks all the boxes we look for and we are delighted that Newcastle have entrusted us to continue his development.”
Everyone at Kenilworth Road offers a warm welcome to Alex – who will wear squad number 15 during his stay with the Hatters.