Midfield talisman pens new three-year deal
Jonathan Smith has signed a new three-year contract with the Hatters.
The 28-year-old, who also has the option to extend that to a fourth year at Kenilworth Road, made his 100th appearance for the Town in the final game of the season against Stevenage last weekend.
Smith signed, initially on loan, in October 2012 and made his debut in a 1-0 defeat at Hereford in the Conference – and has since his arrival the midfielder has gone on to become an integral part of the Town squad – on and off the pitch.
The former York and Swindon man was a key part of the Town side that won the Conference title last term, despite breaking his leg in two places in the Boxing Day win against Barnet.
However, the Preston-born midfielder’s determination to recover saw him return in time for a cameo appearance in the final match of last season at Hyde, four months to the day after the injury.
Smith has missed just 11 of the Town’s 46 matches in League 2 this season and at the supporters’ end-of-season evening his performances were rewarded with three prizes, including the players’ player of the year and internet player of the year awards.
Town boss John Still told lutontown.co.uk: “If there is one player that epitomises Luton Town it is Jonathan Smith.
“Smudger is the type of player you want at your club. He embodies spirit, passion and desire and I don’t think I’ve met a player who has such an intense will to win.
“Jonathan is a huge part of Luton Town, he loves it here and we are lucky to have him.”
Smith told Hatters Player: “I’ve had a really good time here, it’s the right club for me, and I want to carry on and take this club as high as possible.
“I believe this club is too good for League 2, and I believe since I’ve been here under John Still I’ve improved as a player and now I want to keep pushing on.
“It’s been a special time for me here, I’m dedicated to this club and I feel like there’s a lot more to come.”
Watch the full interview with Smudger here on Hatters Player.