Luton sign midfielder as Edwards reveals ‘our challenge’

Rob Edwards
Rob Edwards. Photo by Liam Smith

Luton have signed midfielder Liam Walsh on a permanent deal after he was released by Swansea. 

The 26-year-old has been training with the Hatters for the last three weeks and boss Rob Edwards said last week that he was looking to make a quick decision on him after an injury-hit spell with the Swans. 

An Everton academy product, he has played for Bristol City and Swansea, plus loans at Birmingham and Hull.

Edwards told the club’s website: “It’s a really positive signing. Liam’s a super talented footballer, with a great football brain and technically very good.

“I saw him when he was 16 playing for Everton and thought then he’d go onto a be a real superstar. There’s no reason in the future he can’t kick on again, and we’re backing him.

“He made 20 appearances for Swansea last season, working well for them in a team that saw a lot of the ball, and we’ve had the benefit of having looked at him in training over recent weeks.

“He’ll be the first to admit that he needs to stay fit now, and that’s his and our challenge that we’ll work on together.

“He’s not one who is going to come in and play 90 minutes straight away, but he can certainly come onto the pitch, help us get control of the ball when we need it, or find that killer pass.

“He’s someone who can do a bit everything, either as a deeper midfield player or a midfielder who can get up and down – or even higher – and I’m really pleased to get him in. He’s going to really help us over the course of the season.”

Speaking to LTFC+, Walsh said: “I’m over the moon. I’ve spoken to the gaffer through the weeks that I’ve been training here and I’ve been eager to sign here since I started. It’s a perfect fit for me.

“I watched Luton last year and how they play, and as I’ve spoken to Rob he’s even brought up things from when I was younger, and how he’s had me on his mind since then.

“He’s brilliant with what he brings to the team, and how they want to play this year. The training’s been tough, but it’s what I needed, and I’m excited to be here now as a Luton player.”