Following last week’s announcement of the retained and released list, we can introduce all of the eight second-year scholars who have recently signed their first professional contracts with Luton Town.
All of the boys, alongside Christian Chigozie and Benny Benagr who signed their first contracts after turning 17 earlier in the year, have been part of Joe Deeney’s double-winning youth team squad this term, with some also featuring for Alex Lawless’ U21s.
To have an unprecedented ten players turn pro in the same season is a sign of how much progress is behind made in the academy, as well as the exposure to senior football that young England internationals Joe Johnson and Zack Nelson have had along with Joshua Phillips also making his debut in the game away at Bristol City.
Here academy manager and former Hatters striker Paul Benson introduces the lads (who are all pictured with first team manager Matt Bloomfield apart from Oliver Pipa, who was absent) starting with goalkeeper Lucas Thomas who put pen to paper on his 17th birthday last week:
Lucas Thomas
Position: Goalkeeper
Strong, commanding figure in goal, Lucas has only just turned 17, so it’s testament to his hard work that he is signing his pro contract early. A fantastic attitude, he ticks a lot of boxes for a goalkeeper. Lucas makes great reaction saves and displays bravery in the goal, made key stops this season including a penalty save in a 1-0 win away at Leyton Orient to help the side to a valuable three points.
Oli Pipa
Position: Goalkeeper
Oli has a tremendous profile for a goalkeeper. He’s a studious young man who wants to learn to improve his game. Made crucial saves for the U18s, including a penalty save for the U17s in the quarter-final of the PDL cup.
Sam Anderson
Position: Striker
Sam is a strong, powerful focal point, able to lead the line with good hold up play. He has a centre-forward’s instinct in and around the box and can finish with great technique. Sam sets the press off well, he’s a hard-working striker without the ball. Has represented Northern Ireland at U19 level.
Dylan Stitt
Position: Midfield
Dylan’s an all-action midfielder, who can play the defensive, box-to-box and attacking roles. He has a fantastic engine and provides goals and assists to the team. Like Sam, Dylan has also represented Northern Ireland at U19 level.
Zach Ioannides
Position: Midfield
Zach carries high game intelligence in his role as a central midfielder, a very diligent footballer who can adapt to the different states of the game. He has great technique through ball striking or ball manipulation that allows him and the team to progress up the pitch. He has been a major part of the U18s successes this season.
Charlie Trustram
Position: Midfield
Charlie brings technical quality to the side alongside a tremendous work ethic. For a central midfielder his goal contributions have been excellent this season for the U18s, and he has spent a large part of the season with the U21s. He’s improving every day, has a brilliant attitude and desire to be a professional.
Jamie Odegah
Position: Striker
Jamie’s physical attributes are his stand-out quality, leads the line well with hold-up play while being able to threaten opposition in behind. Played a big part in helping the U21s qualify for the Premier League Cup knockout stages.
Tate Xavier-Jones
Position: Striker
Tate has been in the academy since joining as an Under-9, and can play anywhere across the front line. Top goal scorer for the U18s and 17s with his 25th of the season coming in the 3-0 PDL Cup final win at Swansea, his strong performances have earned him a call-up to Alex Lawless' U21s on a number of occasions.
