Lockyer buys into the demands of Hatters boss Jones

New Luton signing Tom Lockyer is fully on board with manager Nathan Jones’ ambitions for the season ahead at Kenilworth Road.

The centre half put pen to paper on a deal with Hatters after his contract at Charlton Athletic expired this afternoon, before heading away on international duty with Wales.On why he made the move, Lockyer said: “I’m buzzing to finally get it all agreed.

“It’s going to be a bit strange now going straight away with Wales, but I can’t wait to get back, get going and look forward to the challenge ahead with the gaffer.

“I’ve really bought into what he was saying and I can’t wait to be part of it.

“He has a real big emphasis on player development, the team spirit here is something he’s massively into, which is something I believe in as well.

“If I can come here and enjoy my football and develop as a player as well then it’s ticking all the boxes for me. It’s not going to be easy but I like a challenge, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Like the Hatters, Lockyer has had to come up through the leagues after starting out at Bristol Rovers in the National League and then earning his move to Charlton.

He continued: “It’s always nice to see a team go up the ranks, at Charlton it wasn’t the case when we were trying to beat you, but it’s good to see.

“It has mirrored myself, I’ve been down in the non-leagues and had to fight my way up the leagues.

“It’s a journey we’ve both been on, but we’re hopefully looking in the right direction.”

It had looked like Lockyer’s former club would remain in the Championship, as they won two games after lockdown to move three points clear of the relegation zone.

However, a run of three points from a possible 24 saw them finish third bottom after a final day 4-0 defeat at Leeds United.

That saw Lockyer activate a clause in his contract which meant he could leave the Valley, which he did, moving to Luton.

On his season with the Addicks, he added: “It was a fantastic start and a real massive shame the way the season finished. I’m not sure many of the boys were expecting it considering the position we put ourselves in.

“But personally it was nice to challenge myself at a level I’d never played at before, so to get 45 games at that level was fantastic for me and great experience on my behalf.”