JOEL Ledgister has admitted he would be prepared to return to Hampton & Richmond for a second loan spell if he is promised a first-team spot.
Ledgister, whose loan deal from Sutton United was due to expire next month, was recalled by Hampton's Blue Square South rivals on Monday, when Sutton envoked a 24-hour recall clause.
Hampton manager Mark Harper hopes to get the striker back, but Ledgister is also tempted by the lure of a promotion push with his parent club.
However, the former Oxford United, Woking and Ebbsfleet striker says guaranteed game-time at the Beveree could persuade him to come back to Beveree.
“I’m happy playing. Wherever I am, I want to be playing,” said the 24-year-old. “I’ve enjoyed it since I came down. We’ve had some good results and are playing some good football. I am enjoying working with Mark [Harper] too.
“But as much as I am committed to getting out of the relegation-zone here and climbing up the league, Sutton are contending for the play-offs, and that’s something I would like to be a part of as well.”
Ledgister, who hit four goals in eight games for Hampton, has formed a promising partnership with Dave Tarpey, and Beavers boss Harper does not want break up his flourishing front pairing.
“I would love to keep him,” admitted Harper. “He’s a great kid and he’s very unselfish – he scored some early goals when he first came but he is always looking to bring people into play, which is great from a striker’s perspective. Tarpey, is the other extreme where he is always looking to get shots on goal.”
Ledgister's farewell came in the shape of aq first half equaliser for Hampton in Saturday's 3-3 draw at Truro City. Following that strike, Tom Huggins and Tarpey twice put Hampton in front, but twice the hosts came back, their second equaliser coming in the fourth minute of injury time.
