Tom Lockyer pens new Luton Town deal
Tom Lockyer will be continuing his journey with Luton Town into the Premier League after agreeing a contract to remain at Kenilworth Road.
The 28-year-old was voted our 2022/23 Player of the Year, winning six awards in total, and was included in the Championship’s Team of the Season as he made 45 appearances for the Hatters.
Lockyer, who arrived at Kenilworth Road from Charlton Athletic in September 2020 and made his 100th appearance for the Hatters in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final at Sunderland in May, was also called up to the Wales squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He scored five goals in all competitions last season, including his header in the second leg which sent us to Wembley, where he was carried off on a stretcher after collapsing just moments into the final against Coventry.
After spending five days in hospital and undergoing an operation to correct an atrial fibrillation, Lockyer has made a full recovery and is ready to resume pre-season training today.
Manager Rob Edwards said: “This is a really important signing for us. The supporters saw the best of Tom, and I thought his consistency was second to none – and that’s up there in the whole league. That was why he was in the Team of the Season, why he won loads of awards and why we achieved the special thing that we achieved.
“He was a huge part of it, not just the blocks, the clean sheets, the leadership. He even chipped in with goals, and important ones as well, none more so than in the semi-final. There is no question he is a huge signing for us.
“Of course, after Wembley his health was the main thing, and that’s where all our thoughts went to straight away after the final whistle. It was brilliant that we were able to see him sitting up and celebrating in the hospital, just a shame he couldn’t be there with us.
“But within a week or two he was back up and about feeling really positive, had every check that was possible so our medical side were really happy with everything.
“It was a really scary moment, we all know that, but the main thing is he is ok and ready to crack on with us into the Premier League and we’re all so happy about that.”
Lockyer was delighted to get his future sorted, saying: “I’m so happy. I’d really like to build something special here at Luton Town. I’ve got an incredible relationship with the fans, the manager, all the boys. I love the club and I love being here.
“It’s incredible what we achieved last season. To have the chance to play with Luton in the Premier League will be something that’s really special to me.
Fresh from signing his new deal with Luton Town, Wales defender Tom Lockyer thanked the fans for making him feel at home at Kenilworth Road.
“I’m so happy,” said Lockyer, who had his new contract officially confirmed on Thursday morning. “I’d really like to build something special here at Luton Town. I’ve got an incredible relationship with the fans, the manager, all the boys. I love the club and I love being here.
“It’s incredible what we achieved last season, to have the chance to play with Luton in the Premier League will be something that’s really special to me.”
Having played in the National League with Bristol Rovers in 2014/15 and worked his way up to the top-flight in eight years, Lockyer added: “My journey has been so similar to Luton’s. I beat the club by one year going from the Conference to the Premier League, so I just feel like we were meant to be.
“If you look at the journey we’ve both been on, we came together at the same time and I felt at home instantly. I feel like this is the place for me.
“After what happened at the end of the season, I want to thank everyone for the messages of love and support. They helped me so much, but now I feel refreshed and recharged, ready to look forward to the Premier League season.
“It’s every boy’s dream and I’ve always dreamed of playing in the Premier League, but when you’re playing in Non-League and League Two, you don’t even think about it because it feels so far away. For it to have actually happened is quite incredible and I can’t wait to get going again now.”
Lockyer also addressed the fans directly as part of his official announcement this morning, saying: “Hi Hatters, absolutely gutted that I couldn’t be there to celebrate with you all at the end of last season. I can’t thank you all enough for all your messages that you sent me, it means so much to me and my family.
“Sat in the back of the ambulance van, I was worried that I’d never be able to play football again, so I’m absolutely delighted to announce that I will be staying on at Luton Town. Ever since I’ve come to this football club, I’ve had an unbelievable relationship with the fans, it makes my spine tingle every time I hear my name being sung and I can’t wait to hear that again.
“See you at the Kenny soon.”
Lockyer also addressed the fans directly as part of his official announcement this morning, saying: “Hi Hatters, absolutely gutted that I couldn’t be there to celebrate with you all at the end of last season. I can’t thank you all enough for all your messages that you sent me, it means so much to me and my family.
“Sat in the back of the ambulance van, I was worried that I’d never be able to play football again, so I’m absolutely delighted to announce that I will be staying on at Luton Town. Ever since I’ve come to this football club, I’ve had an unbelievable relationship with the fans, it makes my spine tingle every time I hear my name being sung and I can’t wait to hear that again.
“See you at the Kenny soon.”
