Luton Town chairman David Wilkinson says the Hatters are still active in the transfer market, despite already adding three fresh faces during their pre-season camp in Slovenia.
The new arrivals of Nahki Wells, Nigel Lonwijk and Hakeem Odoffin were unveiled last week, and though only the former featured in Saturday’s 8-1 friendly win over NK Triglav Kranj, the 2020 board member believes they have quickly adapted to life under manager Matt Bloomfield.
“They’re almost like they’re part of the team before they’ve even played,” Wilkinson told the club’s Town on Tour Youtube series, adding: “We are still looking to strengthen the squad in certain areas. I think the window is becoming a little bit more active now.”
The trio became Luton’s fourth, fifth and sixth signing of the summer after getting Kal Naismith and George Saville on free deals and signing 17-year-old prospect Jake Richards from Exeter City. Going in the other direction has been Reece Burke and Thomas Kaminski (both Charlton), Carlton Morris (Derby), Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers), Daiki Hashioka (Slavia Prague), Aribim Pepple (Plymouth) and the out of contract departures of Amari’i Bell, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, Victor Moses, Tim Krul, Jameson Horlick and Dion Perreira.
But Wilkinson echoed the frustrations of many clubs up and down the country when it comes to the extended length of the summer window, which closes on September 1, a month after Luton kick off their League One campaign against AFC Wimbledon.
“The shame for me is that it’s open for so long and I feel sorry for the manager that he has to live with an open window for a month after the season starts,” he said. “But we can handle that.”
Despite illness disrupting the squad — with defender Mark McGuinness sent home early and a number of players sidelined — Wilkinson praised the unity and adaptability of the group.
“The guys that have come in for him [McGuinness] and the youngsters that have come over recently have been amazing,” he said. “Again, it’s all part of this camaraderie and what seems to be a close friendship.”
The Luton chairman has been particularly impressed with the atmosphere within the camp and the way the players have bonded off the pitch.
“We’ve seen a lot of team bonding this week and I know on the video it may look like they’re having a good time but it’s important that these guys do get that time together to bond and build those friendships and connections,” he said. “There’s no distractions when you’re over here. Everyone’s together. Everyone’s fighting together and playing together. It’s just perfect.”
Wilkinson also reserved praise for Bloomfield and his commitment to establishing a clear identity, with strong hints of the club’s traditional style starting to emerge.
“Matt is obviously intent on playing in the Luton way and watching that in action on the pitch is great,” he said. “I think it’s going to be really exciting for fans this year. I’m certainly excited and I think it’s going to be great.”
Reflecting more broadly on the pre-season preparations, Wilkinson said he has been “blown away” by the mood and effort within the squad.
“I think this is up there with some of the best [pre-seasons] I’ve seen,” he said. “The positivity in the group is really encouraging.”
