We are delighted that the fee for the transfer of Jake Richards from Exeter City has been confirmed, with the two clubs agreeing on a sum that will be paid in three instalments across this season and next.

As he is under the age of 24, the Grecians were entitled to compensation that would have been set by a tribunal, had the agreement over the undisclosed fee not been reached for the midfielder who joined the Town in early July.

The 18-year-old has impressed in his six starts and five substitute appearances for the Hatters so far, having started each of the last three unbeaten Sky Bet League One fixtures under Jack Wilshere, scoring his maiden goal in the 3-0 win at Stockport.

The Town manager has been impressed with what he has seen from a player who had already been nicknamed ‘Young Wilsh’ by captain Kal Naismith before the ex-Arsenal and England midfielder’s arrival at Kenilworth Road.

“Jake is someone I see bits of myself in, especially as a young left-footed midfielder making his way into senior football playing off the right,” said Jack.

“Credit to the recruitment team and previous management for identifying his talent coming through at Exeter and bringing him to Luton when the opportunity arose.

“He has a lot of experience at the level already for someone who only recently turned 18, and he’s got a great attitude to keep learning and progressing.

“He’s a long way to go, which Jake acknowledges himself. But there’s no disguising that he’s got a bit of magic in his feet, as we saw at Stockport, and he’s one of several promising players we’ve got here at the club with a big future ahead of them.”