Hatters appoint new head of sports science

The 26-year-old has moved to Kenilworth Road from Charlton Athletic, where he first worked alongside Hatters manager Nathan Jones in 2012-13, spending five seasons at The Valley after initially joining as an intern following his graduation from the University of Brighton.

Roberts-Smith was then appointed head of sports science for the south-east London club’s academy, and was promoted to the same role for the entire Championship club in March this year – before heading to Luton to link up with Jones once more.

Speaking to Luton’s official website, Roberts-Smith said: “It was the gaffer who sold it to me – I worked with him at Charlton and he’s a top guy.

“I get on well with him on a personal and professional level, so when he came calling, it was a bit of a no-brainer for me given our success at Charlton, and we aim to replicate that here.

“I worked with Paul Hart at Charlton as well, and Kevin Nugent, Kevin Dearden, Mick Harford and the physio, Simon Parsell, have been quality with me. It’s a really good group of staff, and the gaffer mentioned that when he proposed it to me.

“So with a good group of staff like that and a good group of players, where the club’s looking to go, it was a no-brainer to come here.

“I’m really happy to be here and have settled in well, so I’m really looking forward to continuing the good work we’ve been doing.”

After the players returned back to pre-season training at Ely Way last week, Roberts-Smith has been impressed with what he has seen so far, continuing: “I’ve settled in really well, everyone’s been really welcoming from the staff to the boys.

“It’s been a really enjoyable first week – up there with one of the best first weeks of pre-season, so I’m really happy with it.

“One of the benefits of going away for pre-season is to build that team ethos and create a good environment for the lads, but I’ve got to say, they’ve been spot on this week at home.

“Their attitude and application towards everything has been superb. We have to drive that as a staff, and the gaffer does too, but as a whole the boys have been first class and it’s good to work with them. Hopefully we’ll build on that in Hungary and improve it even further.”

Meanwhile, Roberts-Smitih, who is currently studying for a Masters in strength and conditioning at St Mary’s University in Twickenham, believes he is joining a club well and truly on the up, adding: “When I spoke to the gaffer about coming here, he mentioned the new stadium plans, which look unreal.

“It’ll be top drawer and we’ll be pushing up there with the elite in a few years, hopefully.

“But the club’s already got a great fanbase and I’m looking forward to my first game at Kenilworth Road. The Aston Villa game in the EFL Cup will be a great way to start the season here.

“Everything about the club seems really positive and it all adds to the whole package of being here.”

>> Fitness coach Dave Richardson has left Luton after joining the club from Dagenham & Redbridge in 2013.