Latest academy star puts pen to paper
Luton Town are delighted to announce that Luke Trotman has penned his first professional contract with the Hatters.
The Luton-born 17-year-old has impressed John Still and Town the coaching staff over the past 12 months, which saw the right-back make his first team debut in the FA Trophy against Cambridge United at Kenilworth Road in January.
Trotman, who is the cousin of another Town academy graduate, Leon Barnett, only began the second year of his youth scholarship this season.
The defender was an integral part of the Hatters youth team last term, playing a key role in the side that reached the third round of the FA Youth Cup.
This season the youngster suffered a double-leg break in the Youth Alliance fixture against Peterborough in September but has since made rapid progress in his rehabilitation.
Town boss John Still told lutontown.co.uk: “It’s difficult not to be impressed with the attitude and application of Luke. The injury has only served to make him mentally stronger which is an important characteristic in any player.
“Luke is a very good player, too, and he has already shown me in the time that I have been at the club what an intelligent and athletic defender he is.
“His performances for the youth team, development squad and in the first team – on the one occasion he played last season – has shown us all what a bright future Luke has in the game.”
Academy chief Wayne Turner added: “It’s fantastic for Luke to be rewarded by the manager with a professional contract.
“Only seven weeks ago he broke his leg, yet before the FA Youth Cup match with Didcot on Tuesday he was jogging – a testament to Luke’s dedication and determination, and the work of our medical staff.
“Luke has all the attributes to make a top player. He’s got great running capacity and a real engine to get up and down the pitch.”