‘I couldn’t be any happier’ – Walsh explains why staying at Luton was always his priority

Liam Walsh says extending his stay at Luton Town was something he had wanted “for a while” after signing a new contract at Kenilworth Road.

The midfielder has become the latest player to commit his future to the Hatters following Jordan Clark’s contract two days ago, providing another boost for manager Jack Wilshere ahead of his first full season in charge.

Walsh, who joined the club in August 2024, established himself as a key figure in Luton’s midfield during the second half of last season and admitted there was never any doubt about where he wanted to be, despite a deal that was set to expire this summer.

“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while,” Walsh told LTFC+ after agreeing to a new contract.

“I had talks with the manager earlier on in the season and he knew how much I wanted to be at the club next year.

“It has taken a while to get done, with all the stuff going on this season. But we’ve pushed and pushed on both sides to get it done, and I couldn’t be any happier.”

Wilshere admitted that securing a new deal for Walsh was an important part of his plans for the coming campaign and the 28-year-old Liverpudlian also revealed the influence the manager has had on his decision to stay in Bedfordshire.

“Massively,” he said when asked about the manager’s role, adding: “I’ve been wanting to get it done since he came in because the first couple of weeks, I learned so much from him.

“He’s given me the most game time I’ve had through a season and I know that I’ve got a manager who believes in what I can do on a pitch, and that’s all you want as a player.

“I think I’ve still got so much to learn from him, and I can’t wait to work with him again.”

Walsh became an increasingly important figure as Luton transformed their fortunes under Wilshere, eventually losing just once in their final 17 matches in all competitions and lifting the Vertu Trophy at Wembley.

His new deal follows the retention of Clark and represents another sign that the core of the side which finished last season strongly is being kept together.

For Walsh, though, the decision came down to something much simpler. The midfielder wanted to stay, the club wanted him to stay, and after months of discussions both sides have now got their wish.