Tom Lockyer stared. And then stared some more. The intensity of the stare was justified. He had just been asked to describe how it felt to be officially named captain of Luton Town Football Club.
Once the staring had abated, the words began to flow. The realisation of the central defender becoming the first Town player to set foot on a Premier League pitch was still very much audible as he spoke.
“It’s surreal innit,” he started in typical Locks fashion. “I’m a little bit speechless and how to describe how it feels, but it’s incredible – a massive honour not just for me but my family as well. It’s not something I take lightly. I’m speechless.”
The team that’s been built over the years at Kenilworth Road is full of fine characters. Humble human beings who knew they were decent at kicking a ball around with 10 other lads on the grass no matter what level.
Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu’s story is well documented. Non-league to Premier League all while wearing orange. Yet Lockyer’s been down there too, deep in the National League with Bristol Rovers.
“Saturday will be a special occasion,” he continues. “As I’ve said, it’s a massive honour to lead such a good club, which has felt like home since I stepped through the door, to walk out the lads in the Premier League with the armband on. It’s really special.”
Team spirit and camaraderie have often been cited as a reason for the Town’s rise up through the leagues. It would be remiss to remember there’s quality in there too. You don’t get to play at the top table in one of the best leagues in the world without ability.
Lockyer knows this season the standards need to be upped if the Hatters are to succeed. But it helps when there’s special team spirit emanating from the dressing room.
“It’s a great squad and good that we don’t have to manage any massive egos,” he says. “Everyone is pretty grounded, we’re all normal fellas. We all get on really well but it won’t just be me driving the standards or keeping people in line. That comes from everyone.
“Everyone’s got their own high standards, and whatever those were last year, this year they need to be higher.”
Lockyer admitted the conversation with manager Rob Edwards on the topic was a short one, a decision the boss says was straightforward.
“He was the natural choice. His performances for us since we arrived have been incredibly high and incredibly consistent. He demands high standards and has the respect and trust of us all.
“We’re delighted to have him as captain, it’s something he thoroughly deserves.”
We couldn’t agree more – see you first out of the tunnel on Saturday, Locks.
