New Luton midfielder admits he was in a 'dark place' after League One season was cancelled with Accrington

New Luton signing Jordan Clark has spoken of just how difficult it was at former club Accrington Stanley after their League One season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Clark, 26, had played 40 times in all competitions as Stanley were sitting in 17th place when the campaign was suspended in March.

It was then called off a few months later, meaning Clark, whose last competitive game was a 2-1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers on March 7, had to keep himself fit at home during and after lockdown.

On just how tough it was, he said: “I’m not going to lie, it was really hard, and then when the games came back it was even harder, watching it from afar.

“You were waiting for confirmation of the season getting cancelled and you were just going out running and training on your own. It’s a dark place at times.

“You just try to do the odd thing around the house and keep myself busy which, when you’re a footballer, is really hard because you’re not used to it.

“You’re used to a strict routine, going into training every day and doing things to improve as a footballer, so it was really tough at times.

“It was weird. At first it was (about saying) ‘let’s try to get used to this’ and then as time went on it was just getting harder and harder and harder.

“I suppose it just made me hungrier to be successful.

“That was my thought process at the time and when the chance came to come here, it was a no-brainer.”

With that in mind, it was no surprise Clark was hugely excited to begin pre-season training with his new team-mates after sealing his move south last week.

He continued: “Obviously, five months is a long time, and that was the last time I was at Accrington, so I’m like a sponge at the minute, just taking it all in.

“Some days I’m sat around thinking, ‘wow, it’s been so long.’

“I’m so happy right now, getting back on the grass, which is great.’

“Now I’m so hungry to improve under the staff and the gaffer and get better as a player and test myself in the Championship, which I’ve been waiting a long time to do.

"I’m really excited for it now and I just can’t wait to get going.”

On how it’s been back in training with the Hatters, Clark said: “We’re two days in now, I’m enjoying it, I’ve just got to get used to the heat.

“Training’s good, it’s good to be back with the lads and getting stuck in now.

“It’s all specific, possession ball-work, team shape and just dripping ideas in, what the gaffer wants for the start of the season.

“It’s been really good, lots to take in, but that’s what I want.

"Take a lot in and keep learning, keep improving and keep getting fitter and sharper, getting ready for the start of the season.

“It’s unbelievable, the pitches are perfect, canteen, food, it’s got everything you need to improve as a player and look forward to coming into training every day, and learning from all the staff, sports scientists, physios.

“If you need anything, they’ve got everything, it’s perfect for a footballer and I just look forward to coming into training every day and improving as a player.”