Amari’i Bell is one of Luton’s most important players, that’s according to manager Rob Edwards, who has delighted in the defender signing a new deal.
The former Blackburn Rovers man was a mainstay of the Town defence as they booked a place in the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.
His move from left back to centre half was one of the most impressive and though it was former boss Nathan Jones that earmarked the role for the Jamaica international, it was Edwards who reaped the benefits.
“If he wasn’t already, Amari’i quickly became one of our most important players after we came in,” said Edwards who took over as manager in November.
“From our first game when he got sent off against Middlesbrough, to how he performed in the play-off final, in that second half of the season he was outstanding.
“I know he had done it before, but with us changing his position slightly, I thought he took to it so well. He’s an experienced player, but I think he’s shown more confidence and belief in himself, more maturity in his play, more bravery. He was stepping in and at times overlapping.
“You think about the first goal in the 2-2 draw against Millwall, when Elijah scored, and our outside centre-back is crossing it there for Cody at the far post. So it’s not just his defensive work, which I thought was brilliant, but also his football and allowing us to add a different dimension to our play.
“He was a key to that, so to get his contract sorted is really pleasing. Amari’i is a big part of what we do. We love him. He’s a brilliant guy and like with Luke Berry, it is important for us to keep that core who have been successful.
“He’s another player who thoroughly deserves the opportunity to play Premier League football.”
New deals were also offered to Tom Lockyer and Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, who last night posted a cryptic tweet which some fans interpreted that he too has signed a new deal.
