Hatters never contemplated a fee for O’Connor

A LATERAL move for Aaron O’Connor to Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Newport County meant the Hatters never seriously contemplated demanding a fee from the Exiles, writes Mark Wood.

The 28-year-old striker left Kenilworth Road last week by mutual consent and immediately penned a deal with the Welsh side. On whether a fee had ever came into the equation, Town managing director Gary Sweet said: “Not really. Aaron’s on a fair salary. We pay fair salaries now, we don’t pay over the top.

“Salaries are always connected to the amount of fee you can charge. Where we are a slightly wealthier club than the likes of Newport, we probably have a better support base and are a little bit more stable, so we are able to offer salaries that are a little bit higher than in Newport’s case.

“They probably couldn’t do it at the time the deal happened. If a Football League club came in for Aaron O’Connor the situation would probably be different.

“This level regardless, we’re talking about small fees anyway unless the player’s in real demand. Aaron wanted league football week in, week out, if he could, don’t all footballers?

“But he was particularly keen on that so we gave him that opportunity. Clearly here, with the strength of players that we’ve added to the squad he probably felt he stood a better chance elsewhere.

“I think he’s done well for us Aaron. Any time he walked over the white line he’s given us 100 per cent and I’m sure supporters can see that too.

“So we are happy with the whole arrangement and wish him well at Newport.”

For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, MOM poll, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our Hatters Microsite.

Related topics: