Edwards: It’s ‘hard to argue’ with Jones’ view of Clark as best free transfer

Rob Edwards says it’s hard to argue with predecessor Nathan Jones’ view that Jordan Clark is one of Luton’s “best signings for a long time”, after the midfielder penned a long-term contract extension. 

The Hatters former boss signed the 29-year-old from Accrington Stanley, where he’d made a name as a winger, with some of the best attacking stats in Europe at the time. 

Jones believed he could turn Clark into a top Championship central midfielder and this is the season where the Yorkshireman has proved his former boss right, even though he didn’t initially believe he was cut out for life in the centre of the pitch. 

And he’s kicked on another gear since Edwards took charge in November, leading to this week’s announcement that Clark has pledged his long-term future to Luton, saying “why go anywhere else when I really love this club?”

“I think I’m right in saying that Nathan (Jones) would call him the best free transfer that he’s ever picked up or done. And it’s hard to argue with that, to be honest,” said Edwards.  

“There’s been some really good recruitment from the guys before us. Obviously, I’m not claiming any credit to that at all, but to find those kinds of players for nothing is difficult, but I’m really glad that they did for us.”

And Edwards believes Clark is a role model to all players with aspirations to improve, saying: “He’s very good example, of course, for people to keep persevering and keep grafting. But he’s always had the talent. 

“I think what this football club spotted was someone who had that talent and they’ve been able to nurture it and bring out the best in him. Myself now and the group of staff that are here now, players and supporters have seen the benefits of his hard work over a long, long period of time. 

“But there’s some really astute recruitment that that we’re lucky enough to to be benefiting from now. 

“He’s a wonderful lad, but he’s always been a real good player, and he’s needed someone to see and believe in him. He’s showing it now.”