Luton Town signing Shandon Baptiste promises to be another good addition to the Bedfordshire club. But the Hatters have become a team known for good recruitment over the past decade. Rising from the Conference to the Premier League in a decade, and on a limited budget, is evidence of that.
The Journey Of Luton Town Signing Shandon Baptiste
A Key Player In A Promotion Push
Midfielder Baptiste’s arrival from Brentford on a free transfer has been widely welcomed by fans. Luton manager Rob Edwards describes Baptiste as “such a talented footballer. He’s someone who can take the ball, he can drive past people.” Edwards’ comments seem to indicate that Baptiste will have a similar role to that of Sambi Lokonga, who was impressive in the Town midfield last season.
With the loss of midfielders Lokonga, Ross Barkley and Luke Berry, Baptiste can expect to get a lot of game time at Kenilworth Road. Luton fans will also hope that the Grenada international will be a key part of a successful promotion push in the 2024/25 campaign.
Luton Town Signing Has A Great Determination To Succeed
Baptiste is a good example of where perseverance can get you. Joining Reading at the age of seven, he was then let go by the Royals at the age of fifteen for being too small. But what happened next underlined Baptiste’s determination to succeed as a footballer.
Baptiste started emailing clubs as he looked to keep his dream of becoming a professional footballer alive. It paid off, when Oxford United gave him an opportunity in 2015, and he would ultimately become a first team regular with the U’s. Baptiste’s determination has also been evident in how he has battled back from so many injuries, including an ACL and multiple shoulder dislocations.
The Move To Brentford
Early in 2020, Brentford, a club also known for good recruitment, saw Baptiste’s potential. They signed him after he had made just a few dozen appearances in the lower-leagues.
Baptiste experienced twin disappointments in his first two seasons with the Bees. In 2020 he was part of the first-team squad. It was a squad that would lose that year’s Championship play-off final. During the next term, the midfielder had a frustrating time because of injury. Subsequently, he was denied playing a big role in the London club’s promotion to the Premier League.
Baptiste was also a thorn in the side of the Hatters last season. He scored against them from close range in a 3-1 home win for the Bees.
High Expectations From Hatters Fans
Luton supporters will hopefully see Baptiste actually play a full part in a promotion campaign – after his cruel disappointments of the past. But, as he has shown throughout his career, determination has never been something he’s been short of.
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