Me personally, I wouldnt want to loan a player without a buy option. I would prefer us to buy potential, as if it comes off he is our asset. A successful loan only means we return a player to his parent club who either keep him, or he proves out of our reach like happened with Naughton.
An unsuccessful loan simply means we've allowed a youngster to make his mistakes and learn from it but at our expense. Thats the trade-off you get with training - but it should be us that reap the benefits not another club. That is us being used and paying the price.
The way I see it unsuccessful loans mean we suffer on the pitch. Successful loans mean we get no further benefit than that players contribution for however long on the pitch. No sell on value, no improved player for next season.
Id rather we gave our own prospects the chance (even if they're poorer players) than further someone else's player.
My philosophy - bring in established players on loan who are perhaps a calibre above what we could buy, or bring in loans with permanent options - try before you buy for instance, where we stand to benefit.
Otherwise give the opportunity to our own youth, or buy in new potential.
Just my own personal opinion and Im sure many will disagree!
