He may no longer be a Luton Town player after his transfer to Oxford United on transfer deadline day but Tom Craddock is still definitely a Luton Town fan.
The 23-year-old, who agreed terms with the League 2 outfit after 38 goals in 86 appearances for the Town, admitted that the Hatters will always hold a place in his heart.
"After the my original loan spell with the club ended and I went back to Middlesbrough I couldn't wait to get back to Luton," Craddock exclusively told lutontown.co.uk.
"It is a great club and the fans are absolutely fantastic - I was amazed at how passionate they were, especially not knowing too much about the history coming from up north.
"I may not be a Luton player anymore but I am a Luton fan and I will be looking out for their results every week. I wish them all the success and hope they win promotion."
Three months after making his loan deal permanent the Darlington-born frontman was soon realising his childhood dream of scoring a goal at Wembley when he helped the Hatters to an epic 3-2 victory over Scunthorpe in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final.
"It was a dream come true," continued Craddock. "It couldn't have been more fitting for me to do that than with Luton and I was only 22. It's certainly the highlight of my career.
"Scoring our second goal that day is probably one of my favourite goals as was the one against Brighton in the area final second leg.
"That one really sticks out because that was the first time I'd really sampled the Kenilworth Road atmosphere. It was a massive game, on television, under floodlights and it was a full house. I will never forget that night."
Last season's failure to obtain promotion after being edged out by York City in the Play-Offs was tough for the striker, especially considering he'd contributed 24 goals to the Town's cause.
"Relegation from the Football League was tough," he said. "Like all the lads I was keen to help us get back to where we belong.
"After a decent start there was a change in manager and after Richard Money came in we picked up and started playing really well, culminating in our superb run towards the end of last season.
"During that period I learned a lot about the tactical side of the game which I believe has developed my knowledge and understanding of this particular aspect of football.
"For that I'm grateful and I think that showed in my performances towards the end of the last campaign when I felt I was in top form.
"Obviously it was unfortunate we couldn't get past York and with a little bit more luck, especially in the first game, we could have done, but that's football, you move on."
And move on he has. After netting twice this season in the win at Fleetwood and defeat at Tamworth the striker joins former Hatters Asa Hall and Simon Heslop at the Kassam Stadium.
But not before saying one last goodbye to his team-mates, supporters and staff at Kenilworth Road.
"I'm leaving behind a lot of good friends," he said. "I will miss my team-mates because they are a cracking set of lads and very, very good footballers.
"The fans will always leave a lasting impression on me while there are many people behind the scenes at Kenilworth Road who I have a lot of time for and will be miss which is always tough for a footballer to leave but that's football.
"The time at Luton enabled me to get my professional career off the ground so without the help of so many people I might not be the person and player I am today."
"Everyone at the club made me and my family very welcome. They loved visiting and seeing me play and that's why my family and I will never forget my time at Luton Town."
