Leeds United will reportedly not recall right-back Lewie Coyle from his loan deal at Fleetwood – and fans of the Yorkshire giants have slammed the decision on Twitter.
Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent Phil Hay claimed on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday that Coyle, 22, is due to remain at the League One squad until the summer.
Hay explained that Leeds have the option to terminate the defender’s season-long loan this month but have opted not to do so despite being hit by a slew of injuries and bans, and with senior right-back Luke Ayling out injured for the rest of the season.
Looks like Lewie Coyle will be staying at Fleetwood for the rest of the season. No move by Leeds to recall him, despites injuries and bans. Club want him to be playing regularly. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 31, 2018
Coyle has been in top form at Highbury Stadium, making 30 appearances in all competitions this term, supplying five assists in the process after being used in an advanced role on the right for much of the season..
Leeds manager Thomas Christiansen has previously revealed that he would hold talks with director of football Victor Orta about potentially bringing the right-sided flyer back to Elland Road, but Hay’s update suggests they have decided against the idea.
This has prompted disappointed posts on social media from a significant section of United fans, who are keen to see their academy product back in the ranks.
Supporters dubbed the decision as “madness”, “crazy” and “bizarre” given the team’s lack of defensive back-up at a key point in the season.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
Madness. He could really boost our squad and give us extra depth at full back. If de bock gets injured, berardi slots in and we’re short at RB again. Coyle is better than any other alternative option in that position that we have ie Anita
— Daz ? (@hobsterlobster) January 31, 2018
He’s good enough to play here!!
— Damian Staniforth (@Damo_1983) January 31, 2018
Not a criticism of Dallas who will do a good job and try his best wherever he goes. We are a bit thin on the ground in defence is all.
— Paul LUFC (@pistol1603) January 31, 2018
Bizarre. Would have him straight in our team. Berardi is great, but if we’re a centre half or the left back short he’s good cover.
— Mike (@LeedsMJ84) January 31, 2018
Good decision on Coyle – could have picked up a serious injury when the wheels finally fall of our wagon in the next few weeks
— Linton Walsh (@LintonWalsh) January 31, 2018
The crazy thing is we now need a central defender urgently as only Pontus available and on 9 bookings.Personally would bring Coyle back from Fleetwood also.
— Barrie Worsnop (@gillroydmor) January 31, 2018
He’d play week in week out here now that Ayling is injured. Berardi hasn’t put a foot wrong at CB, I’d keep him there.
— Lee (@LufcLee19) January 31, 2018
It’s fair enough, he could come back and play a decent amount of games, but when he’s playing week in and out and really seems to have grown as a player, take the hit and have him come back next season, better off from it.
— Harry Osborne (@Harry__Osborne) January 31, 2018
This boy has got to be given a proper chance at Leeds.
— Jase (@Jase0909) January 31, 2018
He would be first choice right back at Leeds currently. Madness
— Brandon Yates (@BrandonYatess) January 31, 2018