‘I was worried that I’d never be able to play again,’ says Lockyer in message to fans

Tom Lockyer has penned a new Luton deal but admitted he thought his football career was over as he was rushed to hospital after collapsing during the Championship play-off final triumph. 

After scoring the goal that got Town to Wembley to face Coventry in the promotion showdown, and having led the team out as captain, his afternoon ended quickly and in worrying circumstances. 

The defender has previously talked about how he gained consciousness after a few seconds and wanted to play on, but was told he couldn’t. 

There were tears in the Wembley medical room and on the way to the hospital where he would stay for five days and undergo heart surgery to correct an atrial fibrillation, which had made part of his heart beat four times faster than it should have. 

Lockyer has been given the all-clear and joins his Town team-mates today for the start of pre-season ahead of the club’s debut campaign in the Premier League.  

In a video message to fans, Lockyer said: “Sat in the back of the ambulance van, I was worried that I’d never be able to play again, so I’m absolutely delighted to announce that I’ll be staying on at Luton Town.”

Lockyer missed the Wembley celebrations and the victory day parade though Luton two days later and he added: “(I was) absolutely gutted I couldn’t be there to celebrate with you all at the end of last season. But I can’t thank you all enough for all the messages you sent me. It means so much to me and my family.” 

He added: “Ever since I came to this football club, I’ve had an unbelievable relationship with the fans. It makes my spine tingle every time I hear my name sung and I can’t wait to hear that again. 

“See you all at the Kenny soon.”