Kal Naismith has spoken of his excitement and gratitude after rejoining Luton on loan from Bristol City until the end of the season, claiming his time at Kenilworth Road was were he forged most of his best football memories.
The 32-year-old defender, who was Town’s player of the season when he left for Ashton Gate in 2022, is hoping he can help the Hatters in their Championship relegation fight while reigniting his season after making just seven appearances for the Robins this term.
“I’ve played for some amazing clubs, but 90 percent or more of my best football memories were a year-and-a-half at this club,” Naismith revealed. “It’s just the people I met, the relationships I built, and the stuff that happened on the pitch.
“Coming back here today, driving back to Luton, back into the training ground — just good memories. Positive memories flooding back. Hopefully, more of that can happen, but I’m looking forward to it.”
Naismith emphasised the personal and professional significance of returning to a club that holds a special place in his heart. Despite challenges during his time at Bristol City, he expressed his determination to make a meaningful impact.
“I’m in a sticky spell in my career. I’ve not played as many matches as I would like, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to come back and play with these lads,” he told the club’s YouTube channel. “They’ll help me as much as I’ll help them. But I’m just really excited to build those bonds and relationships and win some games. I’ll give absolutely everything. Everybody knows that any time I played for the club, I gave my absolute all.”
Naismith acknowledged that second chances are rare in football and is determined to make the most of this opportunity. “I couldn’t have loved my time here any more. It’s not often people get second chances, but I’m back to try and have a positive impact on the team between now and the end of the season.”
Since leaving in 2022, Naismith has watched as Luton made history by getting promoted to the Premier League. And though they are now battling against back-to-back relegations in order to preserve their second-tier status, the club’s journey in the year’s since he’s been away have been a proud moment for him.
“I loved this club when I was here and it was no different when I left,” he explained. “I still loved the club, knew all the boys, watched the club closely. To be a fan and see the club go on the journey that it has done — it just went like that [progressed higher] and got to the Premier League. Then to come back and see it, knowing how much it’s grown in the past two and a half years I’ve been away, it’s incredible.”
Despite being a regular in his first season at Bristol, Naismith’s recent history has been blighted by injury and he’s featured for the Robins since November 5.
Reflecting on his development as a player since his first spell at Luton, Naismith believes he’s returning as a stronger and more mature defender, which, it is hoped, will help boost Town’s leaky defence, which is the second worst in the Championship.
“It’s definitely been a difficult spell,’ Naismith said of his own career, adding: “I’ve had to deal with a lot off the football pitch, just stuff that comes with football. But that’s behind me now. I’m feeling really good now. I’m feeling strong and I’ve got a bit wiser.
“Luton was incredible for me and it gave me the platform to learn. I feel I’m definitely back now as a better player, and I’m excited to show the fans that.”
With a clear message to help steady the team during this challenging period, Naismith is motivated to restore the positive atmosphere he remembers so fondly, which earlier this month included the third anniversary of his famous last-gasp winner against Bournemouth.
“It’s a great squad and, although we’re not in a great place at the minute, it’s still an amazing place with amazing people,” he said. “If I can come in and add to that and have a good end to the season, that’s what I’m here to do.”
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