Hatters youngster signs three-year deal tonight
We are delighted to announce that youth team player Arthur Read has become the latest Luton Town academy prospect to be tied down long term after signing his first professional contract at Kenilworth Road tonight.
The 17-year-old put pen to paper on a three-year deal before the game against Portsmouth, five days after playing a starring role out on the pitch in the Under-18s’ FA Youth Cup second round comeback win over Dagenham & Redbridge.
Skilful midfielder Read scored the late equaliser that took the game into extra-time, during which the Town again had to come from behind to win 4-3 and book a trip to Hillsborough to take on Sheffield Wednesday in the third round next month.
The Leighton Buzzard-based youngster, who can play either side of midfield or off the strikers, has been with the club since under-nines and started his scholarship this summer.
He made his senior debut as a late substitute in the Checkatrade Trophy game against Millwall a fortnight ago, and Hatters boss Nathan Jones said: “From the moment Arthur came into the building, we could see that he had something a little bit different about him.
“I spoke to Andy Awford a while back to say we’d like to get him in training with the first team as soon as possible, because he’s a player we’re excited about. He’s got a great left foot, terrific dribbling and passing ability and he fits into how we want to play.
“As people who came to the Youth Cup game last week saw, he can come up with a goal. Apart from Jack Snelus’ hat-trick, he was one of the brightest things about that win.
“It’s not just from that game though. The way he plays is a little bit different, he’s got good character about him and it’s the way he’s been around the place.
“We have high hopes for him, but he has to continue working hard and learning as he has been, because this is just the start for him.”
Academy and development manager Awford added: “This contract is just reward for Ready’s attitude and performances since he joined us in the summer.
“He’s done really well in the games he’s played for the youth team and development squad, and progressed quicker than anyone expected.
“We’ll continue to push him and hopefully that will result in him spending more and more time with the first team in the not-too-distant future.”