Manager Rob Edwards paid tribute to three departing players who were a big part of the Hatters’ promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs last season.
All three of Luke Berry, Dan Potts and Fred Onyedinma were introduced from the bench at Wembley in the play-off final win over Coventry City last May, but have today been announced as leaving Kenilworth Road at the end of their contracts next month.
After the club agreed not to exercise its option on midfielder Berry, Edwards said: “Bez is someone I have so much respect for. He hasn’t played as much as he’d have wanted to, and he wants to play football, we all know that. I can’t promise him that every single week.
“We’ve had some good, honest chats. I love him and want what’s best for him as well.
“He came on and scored a penalty in the play-off final, so we’ll always remember that, but he’s been brilliant this season when called upon and chipped in with important moments.
“Who will ever forget that late equaliser against Forest? And for him to have scored in every league is an incredible achievement.
“He’s a brilliant person and we think it’s the right decision for him and for us, going forward. So we thank him for everything he’s done for the club over seven years and wish him every success in the future.”
On Potts, who was prevented from making an appearance this season due to injury, but who wore the captain’s armband for that nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out at Wembley, Edwards said: “Pottsy is an amazing person, just like Bez and Fred.
“Again, he came on in the play-off final and took a crucial penalty, and that’s just what he’s done for us while we’ve been here, never mind what he’s achieved with the club before we arrived.
“He’s suffered with injuries so it’s been difficult for him this season and just could not get his season going. But we’ll support him now and get him fit, if he wants that, and I’m sure he’s got a lot to offer another club going forward.
“But nine years’ service with one club is amazing, something for him to be really proud of. I just want to say thank you to Pottsy and good luck.”
On Onyedinma, leaves after three years as a Hatter, Edwards added: “A big thank you for everything Fred has done for the club. He came on at Wembley on a really big day for us and contributed to the success.
“This season he came back after his loan at Rotherham, helped us out when we were in trouble with injuries and gave his best in the Premier League. He’s a great lad and we wish him well going forward in the future.”
Speaking on every player leaving the club, Rob said: “I just want to say thank you and good luck. Like all of these lads – Fred, Pottsy, Bez – they are all welcome at the Kenny whenever they want in the future. Everyone has contributed in their own way.”
Finally, on exercising the option to extend goalkeeper James Shea’s contract at Kenilworth Road, Edwards added: “Sheasy is another brilliant person who sets an example to everyone with his work ethic and character.
“It’s important that we keep a core of people at the club who have experienced success and brought us to the level we are at, and he is one of those.
“After his injury a couple of years ago he has worked so hard to get fit and stay fit, and he’s pushed the other goalkeepers to maintain their levels every single day, so he deserves the opportunity to keep doing it into an eight season with the club, which again, is a fantastic achievement in modern football.”
