New Luton defender 'enticed' by the opportunity to play at Kenilworth Road

New signing George Johnston admitted he was 'enticed’ to join the Hatters and experience running out at Kenilworth Road in a Luton shirt after witnessing the atmosphere as an opposition player last term.

The 27-year-old was part of the Bolton Wanderers side who earned a 1-1 draw in Bedfordshire during November, as, on his maiden visit to the stadium, he and the rest of the visitors' back-line were unable to stop Gideon Kodua rescuing a late point for the hosts after Kyle Dempsey had opened the scoring early in the first half.

It was something that clearly stuck in his memory, as when Johnston found out he wasn’t going to be remaining with the Trotters despite having captained them to play-off glory when beating Stockport County 4-1 at Wembley last month, then once Town came in for him, he was quick to make the move happen.

Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “When I first knew of Luton’s interest, it was something that enticed me straight away. I thought to myself, this is where I want to continue my career. I played there (Kenilworth Road) for the first time back in November. We ended up drawing one-one with you guys, but it was a good experience playing there and it was one where I thought, I can see myself playing again here in the future for Luton and thankfully that's come true.”

Although walking out at the stadium as a home player with the fans behind him was high up on his to-do list, playing under Jack Wilshere was also a big factor in Johnston taking the decision to head down south for the first time in his career, especially after learning what his new manager had in store for him.

Discussing the ex-Arsenal and England star, he continued: “His playing career speaks for itself and it’s not often you get to work with someone of his calibre. That was something that interested me straight away and speaking to him over the few days, he was telling me what he wants to do with me, where he thinks I can improve and that’s something that drew me in.”

With Johnston having come through the ranks at Liverpool, he left Anfield without making a first team appearance, spending two years with Eredivisie side Feyenoord, also having a loan spell at Wigan Athletic while in the Netherlands. He then moved to Bolton in 2021, playing 191 times in his five years at the Toughsheet Stadium, including 97 games in his last two seasons.

Once he became Luton’s first signing of the summer, then asked just what he will bring to the Hatters next term, he added: “I’m a defender, I’m a centre back, I like to play football which is one of the reasons I wanted to come here and play this style of football again. But first and foremost I like to defend, I like to try and keep the ball out of the back of the net, I'd do anything to make sure that doesn’t happen.

"Then I like to be progressive, I like to handle the ball, I like to play through the lines and I like to get the fans excited. I’ve had a couple of weeks off now without football, but I’m already desperate to get back, excited for the new challenge and excited to get started with the new group.”