Hatters’ youth policy in good hands under Still

Luton recently sold 11-year-old Charlie Patino to Premier League giants Arsenal, with the youngster becoming another in a long line to be snapped up after coming off the Kenilworth Road conveyor belt.

On Still’s impact, Walder said: “He’s in regular touch with us as we work in the same building, so there’s constant communication that goes on with him and the staff.

“They have a look at those player in the 18s and the 16s who are now coming up to the 18s, so they know all those players already.

“Cameron McJannett had a burst in the development squad game recently, so they’re on their radar already and it’s massively important that they know about them.

“It means the wheels are in motion of making those decisions for when they come 18.

“John Still was massively influential on both Craig King and Isaac Galliord getting contracts, while the academy had an input on it too, so it’s good news for us that he makes those decisions.”

Walder also believes that the move for Patino can only help with Hatters recruiting fellow youngsters to the club, as they can see a well-trodden pathway to the top.

However, Still’s aim is for players that come through the youth system at Kenilworth Road to ply their trade with Luton first before any big move.

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