Hatters secure experienced central midfielder
Town boss John Still has added further bite to his midfield with the signing of Luke Guttridge following his release from League 2 Play-Off final runners-up Northampton Town.
The influential and experienced central midfielder has over 400 senior Football League appearances to his name, and has signed for the Hatters on a two-year contract.
Luke began his career with Torquay as a youngster but after only one appearance for the Gulls he moved to Cambridge United where he went on to make 136 appearances for the U’s in a five-year spell. In 2005 he signed for Southend and helped the Shrimpers win the League 2 Play-Offs in his first season and the League 1 championship the following campaign.
After those back-to-back promotions, Luke left Roots Hall and signed for Leyton Orient but, after only making 17 appearances he signed for then-Championship Colchester in 2007.
After one season with Colchester he moved to Northampton and spent two years at Sixfields. However, in 2010 he was on the move again, signing for Aldershot where he scored 16 goals in 66 league matches and won the Shots' Player of the Year award in his first season.
In January 2012 he left the Shots for a second spell with Northampton and, last season, he helped the Cobblers reach the League 2 Play-Off final – scoring a wonderful goal in the semi-final second leg victory over Cheltenham Town.
His contract with Northampton expired this summer and the midfielder has been training with the Hatters since the squad returned to pre-season training on Monday.
“Luke’s a player I identified some months ago and I am genuinely delighted to be able to bring him here,” Still told lutontown.co.uk.
“He’s a very experienced professional; he’s won promotions and played in the Championship.
“Geographically it’s ideal too as he was playing for Northampton last season and living locally.
“I knew that is contract would expire at Northampton and was very keen to make sure he signed for us because I know what a good player he is.
“His arrival means we have great competition in the midfield area – a real blend of youth and experience. I’m looking for the senior players – like Luke – to really lead by example, but I’m hoping the younger lads can really push on and put the senior boys under a bit of pressure.”
Watch the first interview with Luke on Hatters Player by clicking here.