Jordan Clark says he could not leave Luton Town until he helps the club get back to the Championship after signing a new long-term contract at Kenilworth Road.
The midfielder’s future had been the subject of speculation after his previous deal expired, with supporters fearing he could be on his way out, particularly as he was emotional after the final day of the season, where Town had beaten Bolton Wanderers 3-2 late on, but were prevented from reaching the play-offs by a late Stevenage goal against Wigan.
Many Hatters fans who travelled to Greater Manchester that day believed they’d seen the last of Clark in a Luton shirt. Those concerns were heightened this morning when the Hatters posted a social media graphic saying “Thanks for the memories”, only to reveal moments later that Clark had actually signed a new deal, accompanied by the message: “So, let’s make some new ones.”
The announcement was met with delight from supporters eager to see one of the club’s modern-day favourites remain in orange, with boss Jack Wilshere admitting that securing Clark’s services was “one of my biggest priorities this summer”.
After signing his new contract, Clark admitted the decision was driven by his attachment to both the club and the town.
“I’m so happy to get this sorted,” he told the club’s website, adding: “I might be a Yorkshireman, but I’m an adopted Lutonian and I’ve made my home here, it feels like my club.
“The supporters and the people who work here have made me feel that way and I couldn’t leave until I help get this club back into the Championship.”
Clark arrived from Accrington Stanley in 2020 and has become one of the most successful free transfers in the club’s history, playing a key role in promotion to the Premier League, including scoring in the play-off final, and winning back-to-back Player of the Year awards.
Reflecting on his six years at Kenilworth Road, the midfielder paid tribute to the managers who helped shape the club’s remarkable rise.
“We’ve achieved so much in the six years since Nathan [Jones] sold me the dream,” he said of the boss that once called him the “best free transfer in history”.
Clark added: “We lived it with Rob [Edwards] and I know that with the great work the gaffer [Wilshere] and the staff are doing, there is more to come. The Trophy win at Wembley is just the beginning.”
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the League One play-offs, Clark – who enjoyed a career best campaign of 13 goals to finish top scorer – believes the foundations have been laid for a successful campaign next season.
“We need to take the standards we set from the back end of last season and take them to another level, starting on day one of pre-season, so we can have some more amazing memories with this special club.”
For supporters who feared the club’s “Thanks for the memories” message signalled the end of Clark’s Luton career, the final outcome could hardly have been better.
Instead of saying goodbye to one of their most influential players, Hatters fans can now look forward to what they hope will be a busy summer building a team that can compete for promotion.
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