Luton chairman David Wilkinson has hinted that he expects Ross Barkley will be a Hatter beyond this season and claimed the midfielder is the best player he’s ever seen in a Town shirt.
The 30-year-old signed for the club in the summer as a free agent in what’s believed to be a three-year deal and he’s been wowing fans with his performances.
Barkley is in line to face his boyhood club Everton in the FA Cup fourth round today, having missed the Premier League visit in September when Town recorded their first-ever win in the division.
Asked on the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust Podcast if the England international will remain at the club beyond this campaign, Wilkinson said: “I can’t see any reason why not.”
It’s promising news about a player who, in just a few short months, has been splitting opinion about whether he’s the best player to have ever pulled on a Hatters shirt.
Since his 1980s heyday, Ricky Hill has long been regarded as Town’s best ever player, but for Wilkinson there’s no debate.
“I’ve been doing 60 years or something, coming to (Luton), I’ve never seen a player like him playing for Luton. I’ve never seen anyone better,” said the chairman.
“I think they were different players. Ricky was more on the ball. He wasn’t so much of a quarterback, I don’t think, as Ross. Or the way we’ve seen Ross.
“That’s what shows most, his long range passing ability and his control on the ball is just phenomenal.
“I don’t know, Ricky wasn’t in my prime (watching years), but I saw him enough and I still think Ross would be the best.”
Barkley, who made his name as an attacking midfielder for the Toffees, but has been playing in a deeper role for Luton, played in both third round ties against Bolton Wanderers.
And with Jordan Clark suspended – after picking up cautions in both games – the stage looks set for his Goodison return for only the third time since he moved to Chelsea in 2018 for £15million.
“Ross has been extraordinary, hasn’t he?” said Wilkinson, adding: “Every game he’s got better. The jury was out in the first couple of games before he got fit and he worked so hard to get fit.
“I remember going down to the training ground and he was in the gym all by himself, working like mad. I think that’s really great to see because he obviously wanted it. He loves playing football.”
Luton manager Rob Edwards said: “If he’s selected, it’s a big one for him, he’s looking forward to it.
“I don’t know (what reception he will get), we were laughing about it today. I’m not sure, I think everyone realises how good a player he is, there’s a lot of water under the bridge and time has passed since then.
“I hope he gets a good one, but Ross will be able to deal with whatever comes his way. He’s in a good place at the moment, he’s enjoying his football and long may that continue. He’s really looking forward to it, it’s his club, it is his club, so he’s looking forward to it.”
The midfielder is not the only former Everton player in Luton’s ranks with Andros Townsend another Premier League ever-present that joined the Hatters in the summer, 18 month after injuring his knee while playing for the Toffees.
Wilkinson said of their signings: “You weren’t sure because they’re not our typical type. They’re not young players coming forward. They’ve done it.
“The fact they’ve done it and come to us and performed so brilliantly, that’s what’s so exciting. That’s what’s making it (the season) more enjoyable, even if we don’t win a game.”
