Bristol City striker returns from successful loan spell to seek next challenge

Young forward Louis Britton has returned to Bristol City following a successful loan period with Waterford.

Britton was sent out on loan to Irish First Division outfit in February on a six-month loan but it has now expired.

In what was his sixth loan spell away from Ashton Gate, he had his most successful spell, scoring 10 goals in 17 matches.

His goals helped Waterford to third at the time of his departure as they chase a return to the League of Ireland.

Commenting on the expiry of his loan, he tweeted: “My loan @WaterfordFCie has now come to an end. 17 games, 10 goals. It’s been a great experience for me, especially playing football again with a smile on my face. I would just like to thank everyone who has helped me over the past 5 months.”

The 21-year-old’s return back to the West Country however will not be one where he’s looking forward to a pre-season with the Robins. Britton along with five other players were told to seek new playing opportunities at the end of the 2021/22 season.

He along with the likes of Khari Allen, Barney Soady and Nathaniel Williams were the players under the age of 24-years-old that were told to leave. Callum O’Dowda meanwhile was the only experienced player to not have his contract renewed as he joined Severnside rivals Cardiff City.

Bristol-born Britton left City having made just one senior appearance, which was given to him in the Championship on the final day of the 2020/21 season, scoring on his debut in a 31 defeat to Brentford.

Whilst he may have struggled to break into the first-team, he was prolific for the Under-23’s and scored 16 goals which had put him in good stead for when he departed out on loan.

But last season, the likes of Sam Bell and Tommy Conway were preferred to Britton when Nigel Pearson was admitting youngsters from the academy setup into the first-team.

It was reported by BristolLive back in May that both Barnsley and Port Vale were keeping tabs on the youngster and will be free to speak to any clubs in the coming days.