Manager Rob Edwards has hailed Tom Lockyer as a “huge signing” after the defender agreed a new deal to lead Luton into the Premier League.
The centre half has been cleared to play following extensive tests and heart surgery after he collapsed on the pitch during the Championship play-off final.
The Welshman had led Luton out at Wembley Stadium as captain but his afternoon ended early and in concerning scenes as he was stretchered off and rushed to hospital.
But Lockyer was well enough to watch from his hospital bed as the Hatters won promotion to the Premier League, with his dad posting a now viral photo on Twitter of him celebrating with his family.
Lockyer’s contract expired at the end of June but had been offered a new deal and as Town return for pre-season today, it was confirmed that he’ll be staying at Kenilworth Road.
Boss Edwards, whose first concern at Wembley was Lockyer rather than celebrating the penalty shootout victory that booked Luton’s place in the top flight, said: “This is a really important signing for us.
“The supporters saw the best of Tom, and I thought his consistency was second to none – and that’s up there in the whole league. That was why he was in the Team of the Season, why he won loads of awards and why we achieved the special thing that we achieved.
“He was a huge part of it, not just the blocks, the clean sheets, the leadership. He even chipped in with goals, and important ones as well, none more so than in the semi-final. There is no question he is a huge signing for us.
“Of course, after Wembley his health was the main thing, and that’s where all our thoughts went to straight away after the final whistle. It was brilliant that we were able to see him sitting up and celebrating in the hospital, just a shame he couldn’t be there with us.
“But within a week or two he was back up and about feeling really positive, had every check that was possible so our medical side were really happy with everything.
“It was a really scary moment, we all know that, but the main thing is he is OK and ready to crack on with us into the Premier League and we’re all so happy about that.”
