Defender, Tom Lockyer has signed a new contract at Luton Town.
Lockyer joined Luton from Charlton Athletic in September 2020 on a free transfer and has gone on to score six goals in 102 appearances, during which he was handed the captaincy last season after Sonny Bradley suffered a serious injury.
Five of the Wales international’s six goals were scored last season, including a 43rd minute header in their second-leg comeback to beat Sunderland in the Championship Play-Off semi-finals, en-route to promotion via penalties as the Hatters beat Coventry in the Play-Off Final at Wembley.
Lockyer however collapsed during the opening minutes of the showpiece match due to an atrial fibrillation, which was corrected via surgery during a five-day stay in hospital but he has been cleared to continue his career following confirmation of a full recovery.
Speaking about his decision to sign a new contract with the Hatters as he returns to pre-season training, Lockyer commented: “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.”
Manager, Rob Edwards added that Lockyer agreeing a new contract is “important” for the club, as he praised the 28 year-old for his “second to none” level of consistency last season, which saw Lockyer named in the Championship Team of the Season and won various awards.
Edwards who had only joined the Hatters last November went on to credit Lockyer for his role in Luton’s promotion, as he explained: “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.”
Edwards proceeded to reflect upon Lockyer’s health scare as he continued: “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 previously begaan his career at Bristol Rovers where he scored seven goals in 285 appearances prior to his move to Charlton, which saw him score one goal in 43 appearances.
The 28 year-old also has made 14 international appearances for Wales and was part of their squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
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