Johnny Vilstrup 27th February 1967 – 31st August 2025

News has reached Kenilworth Road of the death of Johnny Vilstrup at the young age of 58 after a short illness.

Reputed to have ‘the hardest shot in Denmark’, Johnny signed for the Town during the ill-fated reign of Terry Westley.

Born in Copenhagen, Vilstrup made his name with Lyngby in his home country and had been tipped to earn international recognition due to his all-action midfield displays and devastating left-foot shot.

Beleaguered Town manager Terry Westley activated a £205,000 release clause in Johnny’s contract and he came to Kenilworth Road in September 1995 before making his debut in a 1-0 defeat at Millwall.

Luton supporters never had a real chance to see Johnny in an extended run in a poor side as, soon after, Westley was sacked and new manager Lennie Lawrence had different ideas as to how the team should play.

After only seven league starts, Johnny was loaned to AGF Aarhus before the deal was made permanent in the summer of 1996.

He picked up a Danish Cup winners’ medal in 1996 but his playing career ended a year later after seven operations failed to cure a knee injury.

After hanging up his boots Johnny became a therapist at BK Frem and also owned a massage and acupuncture clinic in Copenhagen.

Our condolences go out to all his family and friends.

Roger Wash