Luton Town announced the signing of striker Jerry Yates, minutes before their League One campaign kicked off at home to AFC Wimbledon.
The experienced frontman joins on a permanent deal, taking the iconic number 9 shirt at Kenilworth Road, where he was announced to a sold-out stadium.
The 28-year-old arrives from Swansea City and brings with him a proven track record in front of goal, having scored 97 career goals – many of them in the Championship across the last four seasons.
Yates’ arrival is being hailed as a major coup by Hatters boss Matt Bloomfield, who sees him as central to the club’s ambitions this season.
“This is a massive signing for us,” Bloomfield told the club’s website. “Jerry is a seasoned pro and proven at Championship and at League One level.
“He had a desire to stay in the Championship but he’s brought into what we want to achieve, who we are as a football club and because we want him to spearhead our attack.
“He’s a real Luton-type player; someone who doesn’t stop running, doesn’t stop working, and plays with real energy and enthusiasm.
“He was a handful against us when playing for Derby at the back end of last season and when the opportunity arose to sign him we grabbed it with both hands.”
Yates, who has previously helped both Rotherham United and Blackpool achieve promotion from League One, is now aiming to help Luton push their way back up the divisions after last season’s relegation from the Premier League.
“I’m delighted to be here and can’t wait to get going – it’s a shame I can’t be involved straight away but I’m looking forward to next week,” Yates told lutontown.co.uk after completing his medical.
“As a player you want to play at the highest level possible but I felt coming to Luton gave me the best possible chance of doing that. It’s a massive club that was in the Premier League two seasons ago and now’s the time to get the club back up the divisions.
“I came here, looked at the facilities, at Kenilworth Road, and after we’d finished I told my agent ‘get me there now’.
“I’m excited because the club is ambitious and I can’t wait to get started and to scoring goals.”
