We can confirm that Woody Williamson and Osman Foyo have returned to Ipswich Town whilst Alfie Bendle heads back to Colchester United, following the expiration of their loan deals.
Chelmsford-born Woody Williamson joined the Clarets on loan before the season had started, but was hit with an injury in training that ruled him out of action. Being announced on September 20th, Williamson would make his debut against Farnborough a few weeks later in quite an unorthodox manner, being brought on as an outfit player and almost scoring a late equaliser.
Osman Foyo joined the Clarets on loan in the second week of the season, making his debut against Hampton & Richmond. He went on to score 12 league goals in 23 appearances, as well as a goal in our 3-2 victory over Billericay Town in the Essex Senior Cup. Most notably, Foyo’s last 2 goals for the club were matchwinners, earning us the points on both Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Alfie Bendle joined the Clarets on loan in October, making his debut off the bench in our dramatic 2-1 victory over Salisbury. He would then start a week later away to Torquay, in which the Clarets mounted a great comeback after being 2-0 down inside 15 minutes. Alfie went on to make 13 appearances in all competitions, picking up an assist in our 3-2 defeat to Boreham Wood when Kane Crichlow headed his free kick in.
Manager Robbie Simpson said: “We really thank the loan boys, for coming in with us and buying into everything and what we’re about and giving maximum effort.
“We can’t thank them enough and, individually wise, firstly Woody’s from Chelmsford was desperate to come to the club and his efforts for us were outstanding. His performances for us were really, really good. Even though conceding goals was probably a problem, I don’t think he was ever directly at fault for a goal and in fact kept us in games often. Great kid, top pro, we really wish him well in his future career.
“Osman’s goals have been vital for us really. You can see in the last two games he scored two winners. His goal return is 12 league goals in 23 games, 13 goals in all competitions. It’s just scoring goals that is the hardest thing in football. When you get a goalscorer, it can really help you. And we’re going to miss his goals loads. But yeah, I’ve got no doubt that he’ll develop with the rest of his game and be a real top player wherever he ends up.
“Yeah, and a big thanks to Alfie Bendle too. He came in when we had a bit of a midfield crisis with long-term injuries to Ryan, Arthur and Ruaridh. He’s only young, but he’s had to be the experienced one in the middle of the park alongside the likes of Archie and Blandy and even playing there alongside players that aren’t midfielders like Kane. He’s come in and done incredibly well and we’re really thankful to him for his efforts and really wish him well back at Colchester.”
A massive thank you to Woody, Osman and Alfie for all their efforts and hard work in a Clarets shirt and we wish them nothing but the best for the future!
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