Keeper would swap cup success for tilt at title after signing new contract
When Mark Tyler first set foot in Kenilworth Road as a Luton Town player it was his aim to help the Hatters to an instant return to the Football League.
Four years, five managers and 186 appearances later the 36-year-old stopper is still pining to be a part of a Town team that wins promotion having signed a new one-year contract last week.
“I didn’t want to go or talk to anyone else,” the goalkeeper told Hatters Player. “It’s a great club and I’m delighted to be here.
“The reason I signed in the first place was because of the fans and to get this club back in the League.
“However long it takes I want to be a part of it and next season I think we have a great chance.
“In my opinion the league isn’t as strong as it has been, and the fans deserve some success because it has been really tough on them with relegation followed by three play-off defeats.
“Last season was hard because the team chopped and changed so much and we didn’t keep enough clean sheets.
“The FA Cup run was brilliant and personally it was brilliant to play Norwich and to win there, but I’d take getting knocked out in the fourth qualifying round if we were to win the league.”
Signed by Mick Harford back in 2009 the stopper has played under Richard Money, Gary Brabin and Paul Buckle prior to John Still’s arrival at Kenilworth Road.
Back in 1994 Still gave Tyler his senior debut whilst at Peterborough, and the goalkeeper is adamant that the latest man tasked with reviving the Town’s fortunes can be a success.
“I’ve known John for years and I know he won’t accept anything less than 100 per cent,” said Tyler. “He’s going to make us fitter and stronger which will aid the consistency of our performances.
“Last season we didn’t keep many clean sheets, but when John came in we started to. Once he finds his strongest team and once the new lads settle in I think we can take the league by storm.
“We need to get on a good run right from the very start and get to the top of the pile as soon as we can.
“We all know how bad the last campaign was but that’s gone now – we’re all looking forward to a success season in 2013/14.”
Watch the whole interview here on Hatters Player.