Clark can't wait to play in front of a packed Kenilworth Road

Jordan Clark gets into training with his new Town team-mates

Experiencing a raucous Kenilworth Road atmosphere first hand was a huge reason behind midfielder Jordan Clark wanting to become a Hatter recently.

The 26-year-old was Luton’s first signing of the summer, agreeing to move to Town from Accrington Stanley once his contract expired.

It was with the Reds that he got to play in front of a crowd of 8,454 back in October 2018, as a Danny Hylton treble saw Luton come out on top 4-1 of their League One clash.

On his memories of the day, Clark said: “I remember when they beat us 4-1 at Kenilworth Road and when the second and third goal went in it was like, ‘wow!’

“The crowd was just so loud. That’s what you want and that’s what you want to play in front of.

“When they went up again and the call came it was a no-brainer. (I said) ‘get me down there, get me playing.’”

Clark wasn’t always on the losing side in Bedfordshire though, as the season previously, Accrington were 2-1 winners thanks to Billy Kee’s last-gasp winner, ensuring they pipped Town to the title that year.

Luton had emerged 1-0 victors in the 2016-17 campaign as the two sides created something of a rivalry in recent years, with Clark continuing: “In League Two, we were the top two teams and you always want to play against the best teams, so we had some great battles.

“When we both got to League One, we didn’t kick on as Luton have, which is unbelievable.

“They beat us twice and they were two hard games, which we always expected against Luton, because they’re a top side.

“Obviously, they’ve kicked on again and again, so I’m lucky to come here and I’m so grateful for that opportunity and I just want to grab it with both hands.”

It will be a while before Clark samples the Kenilworth Road atmosphere as a home player though, due to the social distancing measures in place meaning that the Championship will restart behind closed doors once more.

However, the ex-Barnsley and Shrewsbury Town player is optimistic that won’t remain the case for too long, adding: “It’s not the same, is it?

“Hopefully October time has been mentioned but the sooner the better that they can get back down at Kenilworth Road again and get the place rocking.

“I think it was shame for the lads, how last season finished, because they did unbelievably and it would have been unbelievable for the fans to see that Great Escape, which is some achievement.

“I think the crowd would’ve absolutely loved it and been a special occasion for them.”