Carlisle United are delighted to confirm that Rotherham striker Josh Kayode will return to Brunton Park on a season-long loan deal for the duration of the 2020/21 campaign.
Kayode, 19, became a firm favourite with the United faithful through the second half of last season as he grabbed three goals in just five appearances for the Blues, one of those being the last goal the club scored prior to the Covid lockdown when he netted from the spot in a 2-0 home victory over Newport.
A product of the Rotherham academy, the lively forward spent the first half of the 19/20 season on-loan at Gateshead where he scored nine goals in his 27 appearances with the Vanarama National League North outfit.
He enjoyed a loan spell with Chesterfield during the 2018/19 season, where he gained more vital first-team experience.
Manager Chris Beech said: “As soon as the season was declared as finished by the EFL I had JJ on the phone, and he said ‘Gaffer, I want to come back’ and he was completely adamant in his view.
“It's a good move for us, and a good move for him. JJ knows what we're about and he knows the way I want to play. He knows the environment, he loves the supporters and the location, and he's made friends here.
“We've become his extended family and he's a young man with a great future ahead of him. He’s scored goals for Carlisle already and he was determined to finish as our top goal scorer when we brought him in.
“I thought he developed an intuitive playing relationship with Omari (Patrick) during his first loan and that's something I believe will get better and grow again, especially with the support, experience and guile of Lewis Alessandra leading by example.”
“In terms of playing style, supporters who've seen him know what he's about,” he continued. “For those that haven't - he's quick, strong, can play behind, hold up play and he's got a bit of everything, to be honest.
“He’s another that likes to score goals, so the more of that type of player we have in the squad the better. Having him in the building also supports me in a variety of tactical options too, which is a big plus to this addition.”
“JJ wanting to come back also confirms to me that we're doing things in the right way,” he told us. “He’s embracing our development, having had options to go elsewhere.
“Ultimately he's a Rotherham player and Paul Warne and Richie Barker have an opinion on where's best for him to come, and the pleasing thing is all parties believe that's with us.
“I’m very much looking forward to seeing him progress over a full season, and watching him score goals and enjoy his football.”
This loan has a standard recall clause included, active for the duration of the January transfer window.
