As the widespread postponement of sporting events continues, we thought we’d take a look back on a few of our loanees seasons so far, starting with Diallang Jaiyesimi.
Jaiyesimi, or DJ, has had a great season with League Two outfit Swindon Town so far this campaign, after joining the side in the summer.
The forward, comfortable down any wing or central role, has been a big asset for the Robins, scoring four goals and assisting one in his 21 appearances for the side.
An admittedly turbulent start to the season saw him play just a single minute in his first 13 games at the club, not featured in the matchday squad for 12 of those fixtures.
It’s clear that DJ’s hard work payed off however, when the forward started getting more game time with each week, until finally reaching points of playing the full 90 minutes for the second-place side.
Manager Richie Wellens’ faith in the forward has clearly returned dividends of goal contributions too. Playing just 1,165 minutes with five contributions sees DJ play his part in tallying up the score every 233 minutes.
The forward has found better form in recent times too, finding three goals and an assist in the last 12 games, most of which he didn’t play the full 90 minutes in!
One moment of quality is all it takes to break a team down.
— Swindon Town FC (@Official_STFC) March 4, 2020
Doughty ➡️ @DJaiyesimi_ ➡️ @eoindoyle88 ➡️ 🥅 #STFC 🔴 pic.twitter.com/49NylOholR
DJ has quickly become popular with the fans after his season so far, often running rampant down the wing and causing nightmares for the defence.
The forward isn’t opposed to a bit of skill either, every now and then treating the fans to a little showboat.
Swindon currently sit second in League Two with 69 points, level terms with Crewe Alexandra, who take first by goal difference. The Robins have a game in hand however, giving them the chance to leapfrog to the top spot, should the season continue.
Speaking on his loan, DJ acknowledged his slower start, putting it down to coming off the back of consecutive injuries, but hasn’t looked back since.
“The start of the season was tough; it was difficult to come off the back of a knee injury and get injured again when I started my loan. As soon as I got my chance to get in the team, I took it. I’ve been in the team every week ever since.
“I’m really pleased with my goal contributions so far this season. It was something I’ve wanted to add to my game when I arrived, it came more and more with my match fitness.
“I’ve been on quite a few loans, but this has definitely been my standout season. It hasn’t really changed the way I play; it’s just brought it out more."
The young forward also emphasised the support he still receives from the Academy staff, as well as his ex-teammates.
“All the coaches are really supportive, they message me before a game and always see how I’m doing, Neil Adams [Loans manager] and Wrighty [David Wright Under-23s coach] especially.
“I speak to a lot of the players, mostly in the first-team who I used to play with like Ben Godfrey, Max Aarons, Jamal Lewis and Todd Cantwell, I also speak to some of the under-23s I used to play with. It’ll be good to see them when I come back!”