New signing Joe Morrell revealed he didn’t need a Luton sales pitch to know it was the right club for him, because he knows the Hatters’ and boss Nathan Jones’ track record with developing young players.
The Hatters signed the 23-year-old Wales International midfielder from Bristol City for a bargain £200,000 and though his debut came in Saturday’s 2-0 Championship defeat to Stoke, his substitute cameo more than showcased his talent for a pass.
Deemed surplus to requirements at Ashton Gate, Luton got their man and, though it took a month to finalise the deal, Morrell has known for some time that Town was the team for him.
“I got home from training every day and my missus was asking me when it was going to be done. I’m glad to be here,” he said.
“I’m not someone who’s going to be sold by a massive 50,000-seat stadium and a massive training ground with swimming pools, or whatever. For me, it’s just about having the opportunity to get better and I think that’s the main selling point with the manager. He’s (Jones) got a proven track record of doing that and that’s why I’m here.
“He was just trying to sell me the club and, to be honest, my response was that it didn’t really need much selling.
“I’ve played here before and I know all about the football club and the success that it’s had the past few seasons.
“From my perspective, it gives me a better opportunity to play football at this level and that’s all I want. Like I said when I signed, it would’ve taken a big opportunity for me to leave Bristol City, having come through there, but I definitely think I’ve made the right decision. Hopefully I can show what I want to do.”
Leicester’s James Justin is the most recent and high-profile Luton example of what can happen if you take the chance that Jones has offered.
Asked about whether his desire to become a Hatter was because of that reputation for developing players, or because he’s a student of the game, the Wales international said: “I probably know more about football that your average footballer.
“I think there are a lot of footballers that don’t necessarily take a lot of interest in football, which is not what I’m like, really.
“I love football and I take an interest in the game, but I think if you ask most footballers and you watch some of the players in the Premier League now, who have come through Luton, performed really well here and got good moves, so it’s probably a bit of both.
“I probably know more than your average footballer about Luton, but I took a keen interest in Luton when I knew of the interest and, obviously, I’ve ended up knowing a bit more about the club.”
And though he’s not even been at Luton for a week, Morrell believes he can already see what makes Town tick.
“At this level you get a lot of squads with a lot of egos,” the midfielder said, adding: “It’s something that I felt in the past, not necessarily at Bristol City, but there are players that have come down from the Premier League on big, big money and don’t necessarily have a lot to prove.
“But with this squad here, with this manager, I don’t think you’d get away with that. I think that’s perfect for me. That suits me down to the ground, really. To have a squad where everyone’s hungry to do well, and has always got something to prove.
“I feel like I’ve got the best of both worlds, playing in the Championship and with a squad that don’t necessarily have that ego and maybe a lack of desire that you might find at other places.”
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