Carlton Morris has paid an “emotional” tribute to Luton Town and its supporters following his transfer to Derby County, calling time on a three-year spell at Kenilworth Road.
The 29-year-old striker, who scored 39 goals in 137 appearances for the Hatters, has today penned a three-year contract with the Rams, to remain as a Championship player after the Hatters were relegated to League One.
Morris took to Instagram to thank the club and reflect on the journey that saw him play a key role in Luton’s rise from the Championship to the Premier League.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you @lutontown,” wrote Morris on his Instagram page, adding: “You gave me some of the best memories of my career so far. From battling in the Championship to making history in the Premier League.. what a journey we’ve had. I’ll never forget those moments, the brothers I’ve shared the pitch with, and especially the fans who backed me every step of the way. Love you guys.”
Morris joined Luton from Barnsley in 2022 and quickly set about scoring a career-best 20-goal haul in his first season, which was instrumental in Luton’s promotion to the top flight.
There he continued to make history by scoring the club’s first-ever Premier League goal and leading the line with distinction and scoring the winner in Town’s first-ever victory in the division, beating Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park.
Morris also wore the captain’s armband during his final 18 months with the club, finishing top scorer in both of the past two campaigns, though he suffered a second successive relegation last season.
“You welcomed me, believed in me, and I gave you everything I had,” Morris continued in his message to fans. “Leaving isn’t easy, it’s emotional… but the time has come for a new chapter. I’ll always be grateful for what we built together. Once a Hatter, always a Hatter.”
