Kal Naismith says he is “so happy” to be back at Kenilworth Road after signing permanently for Luton Town – and insists he’s determined to help take the club back to where it belongs after relegation to League One.
The 33-year-old has rejoined the Hatters following his release from Bristol City, having ended last season on loan under manager Matt Bloomfield.
It is a move that was on the cards as Luton’s retained list teased that the Scot would “temporariliy” return to Ashton Gate at the end of the last season.
Despite the final day of the season 5-3 defeat at West Bromwich Albion which confirmed relegation, where Naismith came on as a late substitution, he said the move always felt inevitable after rekindling his bond with the club during the Championship run-in.
“I’m delighted to be back,” he told the club’s website, adding: “Coming back on loan was amazing, but coming back now as a Luton player is special, and I’m so happy.
“The intention was always to come back, and as soon as the season was done, it was evident, speaking to the people at the club, speaking to the manager, that we all wanted the same. I wanted to continue the journey, so there was no other option in my head.”
Naismith first joined Luton in January 2021 and became a fan favourite during the 2021-22 campaign, earning player of the season honours as the Hatters reached the Championship play-offs. His return adds valuable experience and leadership to Bloomfield’s dressing room.
Reflecting on what makes the club feel like home, he said: “I think a lot of people are like me and they think the same: when they come here, you get attached – it is a special club that does that.
“Some clubs just fit, and this club just fits for me. At the stage of my career, I’m still so hungry to be successful and play games.
“I’ve not signed a life-time contract but look, I would love to, I would tomorrow, because this is where I want to play until I’m done.”
Naismith, who made 78 appearances for Luton over two spells, said the fire still burns to help the team bounce back from last season’s disappointment.
“I’ve still got so much left and so much I want to achieve. This is my club and that feels just special. I feel wanted, I feel content. I feel every sort of bit of fire inside me when I’m here. I just feel like this is the club for me.
“A week after the season, when I got rid of the disappointment and I knew I was coming back, I was like ‘I’m not finishing like that’.
“If I ever leave the club, I want to leave on a high, so I want to get the club back where it belongs and that starts first day of pre-season.”
1 Trackback / Pingback