Last season's top scorer commits future to the Town
We are delighted to announce that striker Jack Marriott has pledged his long-term future to Luton Town by today signing a new three-year contract.
The 21-year-old was the Hatters’ top scorer last season with 16 goals and he has started the pre-season campaign in terrific form, netting an 11-minute hat-trick in the 9-0 win at Bedford Town last Saturday.
The new contract ties Marriott to Kenilworth Road until the summer of 2019, and the former Ipswich Town youngster – who joined the Town a year ago – is keen to move to another level with Luton under manager Nathan Jones.
Marriott said: “I’m more than happy to sign for another three years. I’ve never been looking to leave because I’m settled at Luton Town and the club is heading in the right direction.
“We’ve got all the plans for the new stadium, the manager has got high ambitions for where he wants to take the club and I want to be a part of all of that.”
Marriott scored eight of last season’s tally after Jones had taken over in January, and on the manager’s influence he said: “Everyone wants to work for the gaffer and do their best for him.
“Everyone is up for training every day and it’s showing on the pitch. The performances have improved and the signings he’s brought in – as well as the young players he’s given a chance to – have made everyone up their game.”
Those additions to the Kenilworth Road squad include fellow forwards Danny Hylton, from last season’s League Two runners-up Oxford United, and Jordan Cook, who turned down a new deal at League One Walsall to join the Hatters.
Marriott added: “It was great to see new additions come in for the area of the pitch I play, because all competition is healthy. We’ve got some great attacking options now.
“We are only going to get stronger and the people Nathan has brought in are direct competition for starting places, not just making up the squad.
“I’ve seen in training that lads like Danny and Jordan are here to start and it’s pleasing to have them on board because we all want to have a successful season.”
Hatters boss Jones was delighted the club have been able to secure the long-term future of another of his young players.
He said: “We are delighted to have Jack signed for three more years. He’s a young player who has done extremely well for us since I’ve come to the club.
“We believe he’s going to get better and better and he’s one that will grow with us.
“Jack’s a young, hungry player who wants to learn. He ticks all the boxes for what we are trying to do here at Luton Town. He’s secure here and wants to do well for the football club.
“We’ve had interest in several of our young players, including Jack, from other clubs and we’ve managed to fend them off.
“I’ve got to thank Gary Sweet and the board for not only backing me with the players we’ve brought in this summer, but also for making sure we keep hold of our assets to tie them down for the long-term.”
*Hatters Player subscribers can hear what Jack had to say about the deal in an exclusive video here