Torquay United manager Gary Johnson has explained the reasons behind Blues forward Tommy Hughes’s return to Portman Road earlier in the week.

Hughes was meant to stay with the National League club until January but having made one start and one sub appearance after joining midway through August, the 21-year-old is now back at Portman Road.

“Originally it was an agreement between us and Ipswich that it was a six-month deal, with a call-back after 28 days,” Gulls boss Gary Johnson told his club’s official website.

“We agreed with Ipswich that we would discuss if Tommy had had enough games. They felt — and we felt — it was good experience for him anyway to come and be with the first team.

“But he expressed that he wanted to play more first-team football, so in discussions with us and Ipswich, it was better that he went back, because he needs to play and he can still play for their U21s. We wish him well, and thank him for his short stay here.”

Hughes, whose Town contract is up at the turn of the year, can’t feature for any Town side until the 28 days is up at the weekend when he will also be able to join another National League side on loan.

Photo: Steve Waller

Radlett_blue added 10:43 - Sep 7 So, Tommy Hughes wasn't considered good enough for Torquay. Hard to see him making it at Town; hope we find him another loan club.
1

rfretwell added 12:22 - Sep 7 He's only been there around 3 weeks. Gary Johnsons a very experienced manager - he's prob seen enough off Hughes to decide he's a fringe player at most.
0

algarvefan added 12:25 - Sep 7 it must be so tough for youngsters getting to 'make it' and knowing that so few do, I feel for them I really do. Hopefully Tommy can kick on again but a strong mental attitude sees the best rise to the top. Dig deep Tommy.
4

Westy added 12:29 - Sep 7 3 weeks doesn't really give it a chance to work. Chemistry not right perhaps?
2

Karlosfandangal added 12:39 - Sep 7 About to show my age here I played for one of the top Peterbrough amateur teams and I got spotted by Peterbrough United and had a trial. I was up against a player who played for Cambridge United Reserve's. Cambridge were in Division 4 as were Peterbrough so that's how long ago it was. I spent 30 mins chasing a shadow, or sitting on my backside and never touched the ball before I was taken off. That was the moment I thought time to give up the dream. Football has changed so much since then and the demands on player are fair greater than they were then. So you can see why so many players from Academy never make it as professionals.

11

MattinLondon added 12:40 - Sep 7 It must be hard for a youngster to make it or even given a chance when up against tries-and-tested older professionals. No wonder many decide to sign for larger clubs as it gives them a few years of security.
1

ArnieM added 12:53 - Sep 7 The player sounds anxious to get games as he'd want to make his mark in view of his contract coming up for renewal. So I get that he might be unsettled there if he's not getting the games.
3

IpswichT62OldBoy added 13:20 - Sep 7 I assume we loaned him out in the expectation he would get a regular run out.
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Saxonblue74 added 13:22 - Sep 7 The way to get more games is surely to graft and prove you're worth more games? Doesn't add up to me, must be more to this.
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leftie1972 added 13:37 - Sep 7 Somethings not quite right here. There's more to this than is being reported but I guess we're unlikely to ever know. Hope he kicks on and earns himself a new contract though.
2

Suffolkboy added 14:22 - Sep 7 Totally agree with many of the sentiments expressed here ; particularly find sympathy with Leftie ,for confidentiality can be of the utmost importance ! COYB
0

Linkboy13 added 16:04 - Sep 7 At 21 he could hardly be now classed as a promising youngster and should if he's going to make the grade at Ipswich be at least plying his trade in the National league. Been watching a lot of Chesterfield on you tube and Dobra has been doing well although is now injured. His main problem is he doesn't like tracking back and doing defensive work and drops his head if he doesn't receive the ball.

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TractorFrog added 16:11 - Sep 7 I wonder if Gary Johnson told him to move to a football club closer to the sea…
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Bazza8564 added 17:33 - Sep 7 Let's not prejudge this, there could be a million different factors at play here. Get the guy back on the field and or another loan and see how that pans out….
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