John McAtee views his move to Luton Town as a ‘big opportunity’ and hopes to hit the ground running next season upon his return to Kenilworth Road.
Although heading straight back to Grimsby Town on loan to continue his development, the 23-year-old sat down with www.lutontown.co.uk to discuss how it feels to be a Luton Town player, his chat with manager Nathan Jones and ambitions for the current season.
Welcome to Luton Town, how does it feel to be here?
"I’m delighted. I see it as a big opportunity for myself coming to the Championship and I’m delighted to get it done."
Initially, you have signed from Grimsby Town but you are going to be heading back there on loan to continue your progression...
"Yes, that’s the aim definitely. Get more game time under my belt so when I’m back here next year, I’m ready to go."
What did the manager say to persuade you to join?
"He just explained to me the values of the club and it’s clear to see anyway, that the club is going in the right direction, so he just reiterated that. We spoke briefly about a plan for me which sounded good."
It was a big decision for you to drop into the National League last summer, wasn’t it?
"It was. The main reason was just to get game time. I know the gaffer at Grimsby because I was with him at Shrewsbury and Scunthorpe so it was a no-brainer because I knew I would go there and play and do well, which I did."
You scored 16 goals including one in the play-off final at the London Stadium. It doesn’t get much better than that, does it?
"I’d say that was definitely the highlight of my career to date. I loved every minute of last season it was brilliant."
Not too long ago this club were playing in non-league, have you followed the journey of Luton in recent years?
"I’m sure everyone in football has seen it for themselves. They’ve made that climb quite remarkably to be honest when you look at how they’ve done it. I’ve definitely taken notice of it and seen the progression and hopefully this year, for me personally and for Grimsby, I can try and help get another promotion back to League One."
You’ve had a look around Kenilworth Road today and ultimately this is where you’re going to want to play your football…
"Absolutely. As I’ve seen since I’ve come in, it’s quite big, it’s different to what I’m used to because I’ve never been at a Championship club before so it’s all new to me but I like what I see."
You’ve played with Shaun Whalley who was here previously and Carlton Morris who has joined now, have you picked any brains about the move?
"Not initially with Shaun and Carlton. Obviously I was a young lad when I was at Shrewsbury and I wasn’t really involved in the first team as much but I still speak to Shaun quite a bit and he has nothing but good words to say about the club."
Any other boys here that you know?
"I know Carlos who signed last season. He lives in Salford where I’m from and we used to play football when we were younger, and he’s made me feel quite welcome since I’ve been here to be honest.
"I think it helps coming into a new environment. It’s higher up which I haven’t experienced before so it definitely helps when you know a few people."
What kind of player are we eventually going to be getting?
"Bottom line is I work hard. I try my best to get goals, I’m positive, I run forward, I’ll tackle, I will do the ugly side as well as on the ball so that’s what you can expect."
