Sponsored by
Sweet: Town got the best deal possible
Luton MD reacts to Craddock transfer
Town got the best deal possible for striker Tom Craddock who was sold to Oxford United on transfer deadline day according to managing director Gary Sweet.
It's understood the Hatters received an undisclosed sum for the 23-year-old Darlington-born attacker who wanted to leave Kenilworth Road for League Two U's.
Sweet said: "It was negotiated up a few times. We were happy with the deal at the end of the day. It's a good deal for the club, but I can't discuss any more about the disclosure.
"The important thing here is you sometimes have to do some things that will be unpopular decisions for the good of the team.
"No-one really wants to see Tommy go as he is a good player."
However, if the Hatters had not sold the striker, Craddock would have been able to leave Luton on a Bosman free at the end of the season.
Sweet continued: "He has a year left of his contract and in 12 months time he might have gone for nothing.
"We got the best deal we could on the table and at the end of the day it was Tommy's decision.
"He felt he had more of a chance to play first team football at a higher level and it was his decision.
"I think it was regretful for him and it's regretful we lose him too.
"We had four top strikers along with an emerging Dan Walker so we had a bit of luxury in that area and occasionally in football you have to make decisions that are ultimately for the good of the club."
Craddock, who Town paid Middlesbrough 80,000 for his services in January last year after a successful loan spell, was a favourite at Kenilworth Road having hit 38 goals in 86 appearances.
And Sweet asserted that they would not have looked to replace Craddock, even if the deal had been concluded earlier as they already have plenty of options.
He said: "There's nobody we would have been looking to buy and that's the case even if the deal had been done a week ago. To be fair we are not looking to replace him with the quality we've got.
"The other three and Dan Walker will be buoyed by that. You've got to look at the spirit of the camp. Four into two doesn't go."
However, Sweet refused to rule out bringing in a loan replacement, adding: "We will take our time if we feel there needs to be a replacement. We will take a look around of course.
"It gives us a bit of scope to bring in a loan player if we feel we need a different type of player."
To comment on this story, click here to follow the Luton News on Twitter
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Luton
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
