Tom Lockyer has paid an emotional tribute to Luton Town fans after his departure from Kenilworth Road was confirmed – bringing to an end a five-year spell that saw him lead the club into the Premier League and battle back from two heart incidents, including a cardiac arrest on the pitch.
Twenty-two months after collapsing during a Premier League clash at Bournemouth – during which he’s previously revealed he was technically dead for two minutes and 40 seconds – the 30-year-old Welsh international has been cleared to continue his playing career, though it will be away from Luton.
But while Lockyer has said the time is right to move on — he has reflected on the moments and people that defined his Luton journey.
“It’s been a long old road, but I am very lucky to have had such wonderful support from those brilliant medical people and everyone at the club to get to this stage,” he said in a farewell statement.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to represent and captain this great club on the biggest stage. A stage some never thought possible. I left everything out on the pitch every time I pulled on the orange jersey and I have loved every minute of my five years with Luton. A lot might say they’d die for their club, but I can say I actually have!
“I want to give playing another go, because at least then I can say I gave it everything. I know that can’t be here at Luton, but this club has been a huge part of my life, it’s where I became a Premier League player and a dad, and I’ll never forget the great times we’ve shared.
“I can’t emphasise enough how proud I am to have been your captain. I’ll never forget the feeling of scoring against Bristol City, then in the play-off against Sunderland – what a night at the Kenny!
“Leading the team out at Wembley, then at Brighton for the first game in the Prem and scoring in the first-ever Premier League win at Everton was schoolboy dream stuff.
“Thank you to all the supporters who have backed me, your messages of love and support have helped me through some tough times. And to all of my team-mates, managers, staff and friends right through the club, I can’t emphasise enough how knowing that you’ve had my back has brought me to this stage.
“Luton Town will always have a place in my heart. Our results will always be the first I look for, and I look forward to the day I can come back and say a proper farewell in person. Once a Hatter, always a Hatter.”
Lockyer’s message follows the club’s announcement that he had completed his recovery and would be leaving to resume his playing career. It marks the end of one of the most emotional stories in modern Luton history.
His time at Luton included promotion via the play-offs – though he suffered an atrial fibrilation on the Wembley pitch in the final – captaining the side in their first ever Premier League season, and establishing himself as a key figure in Wales’ international set-up. Off the pitch, he became an ambassador for the British Heart Foundation and a symbol of resilience for both fans and players.
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