Hatters agree terms and fee for midfielder
The Hatters are delighted to announce the permanent signing of York City’s Jonathan Smith for a fee of £50,000.
The 25-year-old arrives back at Kenilworth Road after a successful loan spell, and has put pen to paper on a contract that ends in the summer of 2014.
Smith’s transfer will go through on 1st January – subject to a medical – and, therefore, he will be unavailable for selection until that point next week.
The midfielder, who scored on his last appearance for the Town against Alfreton on 8th December, becomes the second player to agree terms with the club in the last week following news that winger Scott Neilson signed a contract until the end of this season after his release from Crawley.
Smith made his debut for the Hatters at Hereford on 6th November and made a total of six appearances under Paul Buckle before he was recalled by York from his loan spell.
A delighted Buckle told lutontown.co.uk: “It goes without saying that myself, the coaching staff and players, are thrilled to have Jonathan with us permanently.
“In the time he was with us he was fantastic, and it was a shame when he had to return to York because he was really beginning to hit form - as was shown in his last game in which he netted against Alfreton.
“He’s a winner, and they are hard to find – especially one who won the League 2 title like he did last season. That kind of experience is invaluable. The same goes for Scott Neilson – he won promotion with Crawley two seasons running.
“These signings once again underlines our intent of success, as well as the draw of Luton Town to players.
“These are exciting times and I can’t wait to see both Jonathan and Scott in action in 2013.”
Jonathan will continue to wear squad number 24.