New signing Tom Lockyer says fans can expect to see 110 per cent from him every game after he joined on a free transfer from Charlton Athletic.
The 25-year-old completed his move, along with James Bree joining permanently following his release by from Aston Villa, to make it three close season signings following Jordan Clark’s arrival from Accrington Stanley at the beginning of August.
He will join up with the rest of the squad upon his return from international duty next week, but speaking at The Brache prior to joining up with the Wales squad, the former Bristol Rovers defender said: “I’m buzzing to get it all agreed finally.
"It’s going to be strange now going away straightaway with Wales, but I can’t wait to get back going and look forward to the challenge ahead.
“Ever since I met with the gaffer, I really bought in to what he was saying and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
“There was a real big emphasis on player development and the team spirit here is something he is massive on, which is something I believe in as well. So if I can come in and enjoy my football and develop as a player, then it’s ticking all boxes for me.
“He said it’s not going to be easy, but I like a challenge so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Lockyer, who dropped down to the Conference as a youngster with Bristol Rovers before being a major part of their successive promotions back up to League One, agreed that his football journey has been like Luton’s, having come up the leagues to get to the Championship today.
“It is always nice to see a team go up the ranks," he said. "Obviously at the time it wasn’t the case when we (Bristol Rovers) were trying to beat you, but it’s good to see and like you said, it has mirrored myself really.
"I have been down in the non-leagues and had to fight my way up. It’s a journey we have both been on but we're hopefully looking in the right direction.”
Lockyer appeared in the Championship 43 times with Charlton last season, including both fixtures against the Hatters. Having lost 2-1 at Kenilworth Road in November, the defender knows all about the home crowd, admitting ‘it’s a tough place to come.’
“I’ve never had an easy game here. I think I’ve won once with Bristol Rovers, even that wasn’t easy! It’s a tough place to come and hopefully when the fans are back in, they can get right behind us.
“When you know the opposition aren’t walking into a glamour stadium and maybe they don’t want to be there, it’s perfect to test them out and see what they’re really made of. Like I said, I’ve never had an easy game here and hopefully the other teams this season can feel that as well.”
Describing himself as a player, Lockyer said first and foremost he “gives 110 per cent every time. I leave everything on the pitch, I’m wholehearted, wear my heart on my sleeve and win at all costs really.”
And whilst he doesn’t know any of the current squad first-hand, Lockyer hopes to hit the ground running when the Championship season starts on September 12th.
“I don’t think there is anyone I’ve been with before so that will be new, but I’ve spoken to a lot of other boys who have played with certain boys as well and they’ve said what good lads they are. I’m hoping I fit in straight away and hit the ground running.”
Click on the image at the top of the page to watch Tom’s full iFollow interview for free!
