The left back, Josh Earl, spent the first half of the season on loan at Bolton. This loan spell recently ended but he had little time to rest as he was sent back out on loan to promotion chasing Ipswich where he will remain until the end of the season.
Some may see the decision as surprising with Hughes as the only left footed left back at the club with Rafferty having to deputise throughout the first half of the season. Hopefully Earl will return next season to challenge for a place in the squad.