Jaroslaw Fojut: Luton can be springboard back to Bolton

After good performances in the World Youth Championship in Canada, Jaroslaw Fojut decided to continue his personal winning streak. By choosing a transfer from Bolton to Luton (on-loan), he consciously chose to play instead of just watching his friends from the bench.

What were your first impressions after moving from Bolton to Luton?
While moving to Luton I knew that there was a big difference between these two clubs and that I had to prepare myself for a slight shock. And so it happened, but I quickly became used to the new conditions. What is more, after a few days it turned out not to be so bad after all. One of the reasons is that in my team there are many experienced players, who are at a very high technical level.

Could you actually compare these two teams? Or are they like two different worlds?
As far as training conditions are concerned, there certainly is a great difference. Everything is connected with money and the league, in which these teams are playing. Anyway, all a football player needs is just a piece of grass... well, and a ball (laugh). It's all I need to be happy.

Were you surprised when your team decided to loan you to Luton? Did you see it as a step down?
I wasn't surprised, just the opposite! I was glad that I could be in the team where I will have a greater chance to play. It was actually my proposal to Bolton's manager. It is therefore not a step down, but a regular way for a young football player, who wants to gain essential experience.

Is Luton the right place to gain the necessary experience?
With these players and this coach, it definitely is! It is a place where I can learn a lot. I will play for the fans, for the team and myself.

How do you feel in a new team, among new colleagues?
I have quickly adjusted to the new situation. There are many great football players who are very open and because there are many new players nobody feels strange or awkward.

Have you already made friends?
I get along with everybody, but I haven't made any close friends yet. I'm the only one to live in a hotel, because most of the others have already got families. Due to this fact, after training they don't have time to meet for coffee or any other kind of social setting.

What shocked you the most after coming to Luton?
In a positive way, definitely the fact that there are a lot of Poles here. That's why during my walks in the city I often feel in Luton... like in Poland. But the most important fact is that the football has a really high standard.

Do Poles recognize you on the street?
I am not a famous player yet, so no-one has asked me for an autograph. Maybe it's good?

And what do you think of the mass Polish emigration to the British Isles?
I believe it to be normal. Living conditions in England are much better, and the money is incomparably higher. One can say that I also came here to work abroad.

Is England a good place for a young football player's development?
It is a very good place to develop one's abilities and become a professional. That's why I encourage every young football player who has such opportunity to leave Poland.

What would you say to a 16 year-old football player from Poland who still hesitates to go abroad?
Go without any idea of what to expect! Even if you come back after two years because homesickness, or frustration, nobody would take away the experience that you gained there. And if you succeed and get accepted to the first team, you have a bigger chance to have a career there than your peers in Poland.

Do you feel homesick?
Sure, I do! Although in Luton this feeling is a bit smaller, because of the high number of Poles living there. The first year was the most difficult. But I will always come back to Poland with great joy in my heart. And that's what I do, every time it is possible.

When was the last time you have been to Poland?
A few days ago. And before that... after the World Cup in Canada (U-20)

As for the World Cup, after a good performance in this championship, do you count on a quick appointment to the national team coached by Leo Beenhakker?
Our performance in Canada could in fact be considered as a good. As a team we presented ourselves quite well, because we did something that exceeded expectations. Personally, I don't regard my own performance during the World Cup as successful. My form left a lot to be desired. As for the internationals: yes, I am waiting, but for U-21 representation! I haven't thought realistically about the first team yet. But I definitely aspire to play at that level.

What are your plans for the nearest future?
Above all, to show my best, being on loan at Luton. And after coming back to Bolton I will try to fight for a place in the first team!

Will you come back to Bolton as a more experienced football player?
If I play regularly, I would definitely come back to Bolton as a more experienced player. I hope that the experiences I receive at Luton will help me in the fight for a place in the first team at Bolton.