Hylton: Money had nothing to do with leaving Oxford for Luton

The 27-year-old forward opted to turn down a new offer at Oxford United, despite the club winning promotion to League One, preferring to pen a two-year deal with the Hatters.

Some disgruntled U’s fans criticised the move on social media, but Hylton, talking exclusively to the News/Gazette, said: “I’ve seen some things that people are saying and people are saying why would I leave Oxford and some of the things they are saying, money and stuff like that.

“But I’m not someone that’s driven by money, I just wanted to make the right career choice for me.

“(Staying with Oxford) was definitely one of the choices, as I know Oxford have got their own aspirations of getting into the Championship.

“I just felt that Luton was the right place for me next and I believe that we can go to League One and the Championship, as they were there not so long ago.”

On the supporters who posted messages on the internet, Hylton continued: “Ninety nine per cent of the comments were lovely, but you’re going to get one or two things, that’s just the way it is, I’m a big boy, I can take it.

“My message to them, as I’ve not said anything so far, is I’ve had a fantastic time there and wish the club all the best.

“But now I’m looking forward to working with Luton, looking forward to replicating what we did with Oxford last season and I don’t see any reason why we can’t then go again.”

Leaving a club where he had spent two years, scoring 30 goals in 101 games wasn’t a choice he took lightly though either, as Hylton added: “I’m not going to lie, it was a massive decision.

“Not only did we do so well and got promoted, but my friends are there.

“I’ve made friends there for life and we really were a tight knit group, even my wife, she’s friends with the players wives as well, so it was a real big decision.

“I’m very sad to leave Oxford, it’s a fantastic club, and I had a great few years there with the promotion stuff.

“But I always said that I thought my next move I needed to be in the right place for me.”