Forward, Carlton Morris has signed a new contract at Luton Town.
Morris joined the Hatters from Barnsley in July 2022 and scored 20 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions, as he helped Luton clinch promotion to the Premier League via last season’s Championship Play-Offs.
Speaking about his easy decision to sign a new contract at Kenilworth Road, Morris commented: “I didn’t need any persuading. I love working with the gaffer.
“Our relationship is as good as I’ve ever had with any manager and obviously tactically and technically, his man-management all speaks for itself.
“Just the opportunity to work with him for longer, this squad for longer and this football club for longer – honestly, it is a privilege.”
Morris proceeded to reflect upon Luton’s promotion and ambitions for the new season, as he continued: “When I signed last summer, I knew what potential this football club had. I didn’t come here just to sit in mid-table mediocrity or fight relegation in the Championship, or whatever.
“I came here to challenge and push for promotion and that’s what we’ve accomplished as a team, which is incredible and will bring us together even tighter.
“There is no reason why we can’t go and make a statement for ourselves in the Premier League next season. I’ve said it loads of times now, but I played at Kenilworth Road as an away player and it’s a tough place to come for any team.”
The 27 year-old went on to applaud supporters for their impressive atmopshere at Kenilworth Road and especially at Wembley, as he added: “The fans create that atmosphere for us at our home, and I just want to touch on the fans at Wembley as well.
“That turn-out was absolutely incredible. Walking out that tunnel and looking up and seeing a sea of orange everywhere is a sight I will never erase from my mind.
“Personally I hadn’t had a great history at Wembley before then, but in one of the biggest games in domestic football, to go and get a result like that and achieve promotion, it will go down as one of the best moments in my career.”
Luton will begin pre-season training on 6 July and Morris admitted that he and his teammates can’t wait to get back to action, as he quipped: “I’ve seen a lot in the group chat already of the lads putting in a lot of hard work this close season, myself as well.
“I think everyone is so excited to get ready. It’s not like a normal close season. Everyone seems 10 per cent even more at it than last season, if that were possible. We are just chomping at the bit to get back at it.”
Manager, Rob Edwards added that he is “pleased” to tie Morris down to a new contract, as he insisted that the forward is “a brilliant person” to have as part of his team.
Reflecting upon Morris’ impact last season, Edwards said: “His goals were influential last season, but whenever I spoke about him or was asked about him, it was his all-round game and what he brought to the team, whether it was hold-up play, work-rate, headers, defensive headers in his own box from corners.
“It was everything that he gave the team, as well as the goal threat.”
The ex Watford manager also iterated that Morris can only get better in the Premier League, as he explained: “He’s got great experience now, but he’s a good age, someone who is really hungry, and he deserves the opportunity now to have a go in the Premier League.
“If you look over the last ten years-plus, there have been a lot of strikers that have done well in the Championship, stepped up and then have gone and done well in the Premier League as well, and let’s hope Carlton is one of them.”
Edwards also spoke of Morris’ strength in playing through injury last season whilst displaying leadership skills, as he added: “He played through a lot of pain last season, he didn’t want to miss a minute. He’s a proper leader, he’s got a voice and people respect him.
“The fans love him, we love him – he knows that – and I think he responds well to that as well.
“He knows how important he is, but he goes and puts it all out there every day in training. He goes over that white line on a Saturday, or any matchday now, and he’s right at it and a handful for anyone. We’re delighted to have him as our handful for the long-term.”
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