Originally a defender, Tom developed into a promising forward who did well at youth and reserve team levels with Middlesbrough. He was the eighth member of Boro's 2004 FA Youth Cup-winning side to progress to first team level, following James Morrison, Tony McMahon, Andrew Taylor, David Wheater, Matthew Bates, Adam Johnson and Jason Kennedy.

He joined the Hatters on-loan from the Riverside in October 2008 and scored twice on his debut in a 2-2 draw with Grimsby Town. Two further goals followed in the games against Bury and Chesterfield and once his loan expired Mick Harford moved quickly to snap up the striker on a permanent basis.

An £80,000 bid was accepted by Middlesbrough and Tom signed a two-and-half year contract in January 2009.

In his first season in non-league football Tom dazzled in front of goal hitting 24 goals in the Blue Square Premier, taking his total to 36 goals in Luton colours.

He hit his first senior hat-trick in a 6-3 win over Histon in April 2010.