Local lad, Leon Barnett made a great impression in a record-breaking first season of full-time training at the club, making his senior debut as a 16-year-old and earning a First Team squad number. When the young defender appeared as a substitute at Woking in the LDV Vans Trophy in October 2002, he became the first player to represent the club at Under-17, Under-19, Reserve and First Team level within one season. And he impressed everyone with the way he handled this rapid progression, ending the season as a regular in the Youth and Reserve squads. A versatile player, his preferred position is central defence, but he can also fill in at a full-back. Injuries in the centre of Luton's defence during the 2005/06 season gave Barnett the opportunity to show what he was capable of and made a name for himself in the Championship. The youngster scored the first goal of the 2006/07 season, his first senior goal, when his header after eight minutes against Leicester set-up a 2-0 win, and was rewarded for his consistent form by being named Luton Town Player of the Season.