Glen Rea has reflected on the “privilege” of being part of Hatters history after his Luton contract was terminated by mutual consent – ending a hugely successful seven-year spell with the club.
The 28-year-old leaves Kenilworth Road having won promotion from League Two and League One and watching from a loan spell away as his team-mates secured promotion to the Premier League.
A serious knee injury ended the the former Brighton midfielder’s season in December of the League One title-winning campaign and returned to play an integral role in helping Town maintain their Championship status the following season.
He made 40 league appearances, scoring three times as the Hatters then finished 12th in the second tier.
In January last year he went out on loan to Wigan in search of regular football but suffered another serious injury.
Rea spent the second half of last season on loan at Cheltenham, helping the Robins avoid the drop in League One.
In total, Glen made 207 appearances for the Hatters, scoring eight times.
Speaking after his release was finalised, Rea told the club’s website: “I’m so proud of what everyone has achieved in my time at the club. It’s been a mad journey and we’ve all experienced some unbelievable highs together, with so many players and staff having been here all the way through.
“To do what Luton Town Football Club has done with that core will never be repeated, and it’s been a privilege to be part of that history.
“I still will be, but from now on as a supporter because I’ll never lose that love for the club. I’ve made so many friends, not just on the football side but also among the staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the club what it is, and the fans as well. As much as I’d love to have been playing all the time, I’ve had some great nights in the crowd and thank them for their constant support.
“Wherever my next move might take me, you’ll still see me at matches. But for now I want to thank everyone that I’ve worked with – all the players, managers, coaches, the brilliant medical team and sports scientists, all the staff and directors – and wish the club every success as that amazing journey continues.”
