Luton Town have made defender George Johnston their first new signing of the summer with the former Bolton captain saying the Hatters were his first choice this summer after completing his move to Kenilworth Road.
The 27-year-old centre-half arrives in Bedfordshire fresh from skippering the Trotters to promotion from League One, leading the Trotters to play-off final glory at Wembley after another impressive campaign at the heart of their defence.
Johnston featured in all but three of Wanderers’ 49 league matches last season and now brings leadership, experience and recent promotion-winning pedigree to Jack Wilshere’s squad.
Speaking after putting pen to paper, Johnston told the club’s website: “I’m really happy to get this deal done.
“Playing at Kenilworth Road earlier in the season, I loved the atmosphere and the history of the club. Speaking to the gaffer, it was something that I wanted to do, to continue to learn under him and play for him.
“As soon as I knew I wasn’t staying at Bolton there were a few options that came up, but Luton was always at the forefront of my mind and where my attention was heading from the start.
“The improvement in results last season was well documented. Everyone knew that Luton from January onwards were a top of the table side and they are building something really special here. It’s something I wanted to be part of.”
Hatters boss Wilshere admitted Johnston quickly emerged as a key target once it became clear he would be available.
“We’re really pleased to get George through the door. He’s one we knew about through playing against him earlier in the season and we’ve tracked him for a few months.
“As soon as it became clear he wasn’t going to be staying with Bolton, George became a priority for us to sign him. Not only is he a very good footballer who will suit our style and identity, he’s a proven winner and a real leader.
“I always say about experiencing something being the best way to learn, and we couldn’t have signed anyone with more recent success in this division on their CV than we have with George.
“He’s captained a very good Bolton side to victory at Wembley and I know from people I’ve spoken to about him, and from our conversations over recent weeks, that we have got ourselves a top person as well as a top player.”
Having just led Bolton to promotion, Luton supporters will be hoping his winning mentality can help drive the Hatters towards another successful campaign as Wilshere continues to shape his squad ahead of the new season.
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