Read what NJ had to say ahead of Wycombe match
There was a lot of speculation surrounding some of the Hatters key players as the transfer window drew to a close yesterday, but none were sold as manager Nathan Jones looks to build for the future with two young acquisitions on the last day of the summer window.
20-year-old Alex Gilliead joined from Newcastle United on loan until January, and 19-year-old Jack Senior joined the Hatters permanently from Huddersfield Town.
Cameron McJannett departed for Stoke City, whilst Magnus Okuonghae’s contract was terminated by mutual consent.
Nathan Jones was pleased that the window was closed as well as the fact that the club was able to turn down offers for important players.
He said: “We got tested in terms of our resolve, I am not sure many in League Two could withstand that, but we have managed to keep hold of all key players.
“That’s down to a good relationship with the players and the people who look after them. It is also the ambition of the club, but Gary Sweet has backed me throughout as we have kept hold of some very good players after having some strong interest from some very good clubs.”
The tabloids seemed to indicate that Cameron McGeehan would be on his way out of Kenilworth road, but McJannett was the only Cameron packing his bag.
It was a move for McJannett that Jones thought more than worked for both the Town and the 17-year-old, especially with the signing of left-back Jack Senior arriving on a two year deal.
Jones said: “We had a very good offer from a very good club in Stoke City, we did it in all the right ways and credit to them for the way they dealt with it too, we just felt it was too good an opportunity for both us
and the player to turn down.”
One of the big reasons behind Jack Senior said he signed was the fact that Nathan Jones seems more than happy to promote young players who impress and are willing to work for first team football.
That couldn’t have been more appropriate than on Tuesday night, as a young Hatters side defeated a strong Gillingham team in the Checkatrade Trophy.
It was a result that Nathan Jones couldn’t have been happier with.
The boss said: “There were some real positives and it was a proud moment for me. When you see a group of young players doing well for you, it fills you with immense pride. It was just magical, it was a great night for Luton Town.
“We played five young, talented, English players, we made history in terms of Connor Tomlinson playing, against a very good Gillingham side. If someone wants to tell that’s wrong then there is something not quite right with the world. If it was me, I’d be giving clubs accolades, not fines.”
On the same night, our next opponents Wycombe Wanderers defeated Northampton Town in the same competition with 43-year-old manager Gareth Ainsworth bringing himself on as a late sub, and he even set up a goal in his side’s 3-0 victory.
The Wanderers have been fairly sturdy in defence this season, but have only scored three league goals so far, which Nathan Jones wants to keep the same.
He said: “He’s still fit, I had some wonderful battles against Gareth. He was an absolute nightmare to play against.
Wycombe have competed at this level very well week in week out. I hope they don’t score Saturday, I don’t want Wycombe to score. We are going to set up to win the game and if they don’t score we have got half a chance of winning the game.”
The Hatters take on Wycombe Wanderers this Saturday in the Sky Bet League Two at Kenilworth Road. If you wish to purchase tickets for the game, you can get them online by clicking here, or call the ticket office on 01582 416976.