Jones: Pigott signing a real coup for Hatters

Pigott, who was signed from Charlton Athletic until the end of the season earlier on today, was a wanted man, but turned down a number of other clubs to join the Hatters.

Speaking about his arrival, Jones said: “When I said I’d like to bring someone of Joe’s ilk in, Joe had a number of offers and people that would like him to have gone there.

“So it is a bit of a coup for the club, but it is what we’re looking to do. We’re looking to bring in players who can take us forward, and we believe Joe can take us forward or is someone that can attribute to take us forward.

“I had Joe for a year when I was at Charlton, he’s a player I’ve kept an eye on, a player I recommended for Brighton, so I believe in Joe, I believe in what Joe can do.

“I like him, I like his character, and I think he’s going to fit in nicely to what we’re trying to do here.”

Jones has worked with Pigott before, as the forward was part of his U21 side when at Charlton, although the new Luton boss admitted he hadn’t shone through straight away at the Valley.

When asked if he spotted his talent immediately, Jones continued: “No, he wasn’t. Joe’s been a worker, he’s done very, very well.

“He wasn’t one when people went in and thought ‘you’ve got to look at this boy,’ but he worked hard, is a real grafter, conscientious worker in how he does stuff.

“He has certain attributes, worked on those attributes, he responded and did unbelievably well.

“He played games for Charlton, did well when he went to Southend, is one I kept an eye on all the time.

“I believe in Joe and hopefully Joe can repay that belief.

On what Pigott will bring to the Hatters, Jones said: “You’ll see enough of him, you’ll be able to make your own mind up about Joe.

“Joe’s been brought in here to add bit more quality, more competition and as I said, you’ll see what Joe will bring.”

Pigott is tried tested in League Two tool, having scored 10 goals last term for Southend and Newport County during in loan spells, as Jones continued: “He’s not a young one that we’re having a massive gamble on.

“I know what Joe can do, he’s of a right age, a right hunger, a right ability, he wants to improve, wants to get better, he believes Luton will get him better, so he ticks the criteria if you like.

“We’re excited to work with him, excited to have signed him, he’s one that immediately when I got the job here, he was one who was on my list, he’s been on my list for a while.

“So it’s good to have those people who you trust in the building, there’s not too much pressure on Joe, but hopefully he can repay that.”

One of Pigott’s goals came in front of 38,252 at Wembley when he kept his side head to fire Southend’s last-gasp leveller against Wycombe Wanderers in the play-off final, before netting in the penalty shoot out too.

Jones added: “It’s part of his character, he’s got a great temperament, at times he can be laid back, but he’s got great work ethic, wants to learn, ticks boxes for Luton.

“He’s the type of player we’re looking for, now don’t read that into the age or anything.

“The type of players, we’re looking for are hungry players, that want to improve, want to take Luton forward and if he improves at the same rate as hopefully the club will, then we’ll all move forward together, that’s what we’re ultimately looking for.”