Checking In: Leeds' Loanees

Just like hundreds of other clubs throughout Europe and abroad, Leeds United has several players loaned out to other teams. Often this is done for the sake of getting the loaned out player experience, but there also can be financial motivations behind the move. Nonetheless, the Whites have sent three players away from Elland Road for the 2014/2015 season and they have achieved various levels of success. Lets take a look at how they have fared so far.

Noel Hunt - The Irish forward had fallen out of favor at Leeds and was consequently sent out on loan to fellow Championship team Ipswich Town on the 27th of November. Since, he has appeared in three matches and tallied a stoppage time game-winner against Charlton Athletic in his debut. There has even been speculation that the player sees no future back at Leeds and is seeking a permanent move to Portman Road.

Scott Wootton - The 23-year-old center back appeared in 22 matches last season, but fell victim to the summer signings of Giuseppe Bellusci, Liam Cooper, and Dario Del Fabro. After appearing once for Leeds this year he joined Championship club Rotherham United on a short-term loan. The former Manchester United youngster has played six times for the Millers and he could well extend his loan deal until the summer.

Nicky Ajose - The shifty English forward was signed during the summer after impressing for Swindon Town last season, but made a marginal impact in the early goings of Leeds' campaign. In an emergency loan deal Ajose joined League One side Crewe Alexandria in November and has emerged as a top threat for the the Railwaymen in the five games he has participated. Ajose has even tallied three times, including a brace against Oldham.

As these brief summaries illustrate the narrative's surrounding Leeds' loanees has been hot and cold. It's a little too early to cool Wootton's Rotherham experience a failure, Hunt's Ipswich spell has been relatively successful, and Ajose has been just short of a home run with Crewe Alexandria. As these three loan deals expire or continue though Leeds faithful will surely be vigilantly watching to see how their boys are faring away from home.