Luton Town and Mark McGuinness. For our newest recruit, it’s the perfect match.
The 23-year-old central defender, who agreed terms on Tuesday from Cardiff City, sees his transfer to Kenilworth Road as a significant step in his already bourgeoning career which has seen him become one of the most sought-after central defenders in the Championship.
“Cardiff was a great platform for me to go and develop but I think Luton Town is now the perfect next stage for me,” the defender, who adds further competition to the Town backline, told LTFC+
“I hope to bring that experience and the knowledge that I’ve learned for the last four or five years in professional football. I was getting those games in that environment; the winning, and even the bad times we had at Cardiff as well – we were scrapping as well, so I was getting that balance. Hopefully I can bring that to the team and be successful here.”
Luton Town is now the perfect next stage for me
Hatters boss Rob Edwards is a huge admirer of the Arsenal academy graduate and that, coupled with the club’s ambition and the environment at The Brache, has got McGuinness excited about his future at Kenilworth Road.
“I think it’s the whole culture; it’s the whole of Luton Town. It really suits me as a player and as a person,” he says. “I’m excited to be here already. It’s one day in, but I can sense the vibe and the positivity.
“Obviously, from all the way from the top to the bottom, from the players and coaching staff, to catering and everyone, everyone seems to be on the same wavelength and everyone wants to be successful together.
“The manager has been a big factor in this whole move, too. Again, he fits in with the culture that I feel at this club and is an all-round good guy, which goes a long way in football these days. He’s someone I’m looking forward to working under.”
Having enjoyed a first session on the grass with fellow defender Tom Lockyer in training on Tuesday – “who better to get out and get introduced than Tom?” – McGuinness is now aiming to stake a claim in the Hatters starting XI.
But what can those Town supporters reading or watching this expect from a man who has commanded such a significant transfer in the club’s history.
“No matter what, whoever I’m playing for, whatever circumstances, I’ll always give 100 per cent for the team,” McGuinness says.
“I will always be honest, but ultimately I’m here to help the team be successful, I’m here to win games, I’m here to defend, ultimately.
“I want to get playing. I want to get the ball down and play and play some nice football, which everyone likes to see. Hopefully I can be involved in that, and along with Rob and the players, I’m sure we can.”
Leave a Reply