Lewie Coyle has insisted he isn’t looking too far ahead regarding his future after Leeds United agreed to extend the defender’s loan spell with Fleetwood Town.
Leeds brought the 23-year-old full-back through their academy, but in the last 18 months, he’s been part of the Fleetwood setup, quickly edging towards 100 appearances for the Cod Army.
Yesterday, Leeds confirmed on their official website that they’d extended that loan at Fleetwood, meaning Coyle will remain under the guide of Joey Barton until the summer of 2019.
That’ll leave Coyle with just 12 months on his contract at Elland Road, but speaking with the Blackpool Gazette, the defender has admitted he isn’t looking too far ahead: “I just take each game and week as it comes.
“As long as I am enjoying football and playing football I am happy. I want to play football week in, week out and keep my level of performance, whether that be here or at Leeds.
“I’m aware I have this year and next year remaining on my contract at Leeds. I’m not looking too far ahead at the moment. I am just looking forward to giving it my all while I am at Fleetwood.”
Prior to his first move to Fleetwood, Coyle had made just 23 senior appearances for Leeds, but since then he’s featured on 77 times across all competitions.
29 of those appearances have come this season under Barton, with Coyle helping Fleetwood to mid-table during the manager’s first spell in the dugout.
Alongside Coyle, Conor Shaughnessy was another to depart Elland Road on a temporary basis, with the club confirming he would finish the current campaign with Hearts.
The Verdict
Where Coyle goes from here will be interesting to see. The right-back has done everything that Leeds will have asked of him at Fleetwood, he’s improved and played regular football.
However, at 23, he needs to be playing regular football and when you consider Leeds have the likes of Luke Ayling, as well as Jamie Shackleton progressing, it is difficult to see a first-team opportunity presenting itself in the next 12 months.
It might be that Coyle’s long-term future lies away from Elland Road.
Thoughts? Let us know!