Elliot Lee: I thought my Luton career was over after not being given a chance by former boss Graeme Jones

Luton striker Elliot Lee thought his Luton career was going to come to an end this term after being frozen out of the team by former boss Graeme Jones.

The 25-year-old, who was back in the team for the 1-0 win at Swansea City this afternoon, only made one league start under Jones, that coming on the opening day of the season, Town holding Middlesbrough to a 3-3 draw.

He then played another 34 minutes in three Championship clashes over the next 10 months, with seven appearances in total, including four starts in the cup competitions.

It had looked like Lee's three year stint at Kenilworth Road would be ended in the summer, until Jones left the club during the coronavirus pandemic, replaced by former Hatters chief Nathan Jones, who immediately put the attacker on the bench for 1-1 draw against Preston and in the side at the Liberty Stadium today.

Lee clearly felt so too, saying: "One hundred per cent yes.

"I love playing for this club and I’ve been through some great times – League One, League Two, I’ve absolutely loved it.

“It wasn’t just a shame I wasn’t playing, it was the way it was ending.

“We didn’t deserve to be where we are. If Nathan Jones hadn’t left we’d be in a much better position.

“We sort of lost our way, I think Danny Hylton said it recently, we lost our way.

"The dressing room wasn’t the same as it was.

"You can say I might be bitter because I wasn’t playing, but I think a lot of the lads would say that.

"I'm not being bitter, just because I wasn't in the team.

"I wanted Luton to stay up because we deserved to stay up.

"We'd all put in the hard work, League Two, League One and we deserved to be in the league, so it's good that the positive atmosphere is back."

On just how difficult a campaign it has been for Lee, who has now played 101 times for the club since signing for the second time from West Ham in July 2017, continued: "It’s very tough, it’s a side of football not many people see.

"I wouldn’t mind if I was coming into training and giving my all and if I did something I’d be given a chance.

"There were a lot of things that went on and no matter what I did in training it wasn’t going to be enough to play on a Saturday or Tuesday and that’s where the motivation for a player is 'well, what else can I do?’

"But that’s in the past now and I'd like to think I've become a stronger person, stronger player for it and I’m so happy the gaffer is back now."

Asked if he had spoken to Jones about why he wasn't even included in the match-day squad, Lee said: "There were a few chats.

"It’s a tough one to say but let’s just say the chats weren’t very honest from his side and I’m happy I now have a manager I can trust.

"I think you need a chance to be given trust.

"It’s not so much the manager not trusting the players, is that I didn’t trust him.

"It’s a strange one, I don’t want to dwell too much on what happened in the past but I’m happy I’ve now got a manager I can trust and he trusts me.

"I’m very happy the gaffer is back."

Now that Jones has returned, it has seen Town claim four points from six since the Championship started again and Lee felt his influence was already clear.

He said: "It’s not just on the pitch as the reason why you’re seeing positive results.

"It’s a better atmosphere in there now and you might think I’m being bitter because the old manager didn’t pick me, but it’s not at all.

"I care about this club and it wasn’t going in the right direction under the previous manager and it’s great to have Nathan back because he brings a positive atmosphere.

"Now you’re seeing the results on the pitch."

Lee celebrated his recall by playing 70 minutes as Town took the three points, playing in a wide left role as Jones switched his formation around from his usually favoured diamond system.

He said: "It was a great feeling and I was told yesterday (Friday) I was starting.

"Being in the changing room afterwards with the three points is a great feeling and one I’ve missed.

"I’ve been through a lot of dark times this season and not a lot of people will see that side of football. I’m very happy to be back in the fold and I've definitely missed that season.

"I can play up top, as a 10 and from the left.

"When you’ve been out of it as long as I have it’s just great to be a part of it, I’ll play left back if I have to.

"I just want to give my all for this club, for the manager and for the boys. Hopefully it’s enough to stay up."

Lee, like a number of out of contract players, have agreed to stay for the final month of the season with Luton having a further seven games remaining.

It was something he always intended to do once Jones was reappointed, saying: "I just want to play and help Luton.

"There have been no talks – I’ve just signed a month to help out and I just want to get through these seven games and help the club stay up and we’ll talk after that.

"I know I haven’t got long left on my contract here and I don’t expect much from that, but I’m thankful to be given a chance in the team by a manager I trust.

"I’d like to think I put in a performance out there to prove I can play at this level and to prove I'm worthy of playing in this team.

"I’m delighted with the three points and it's a real positive atmosphere out there"