It has been a ‘lengthy outdated highway’ for Tom Lockyer, however he’s lastly able to return to soccer.
Lockyer has not featured in a senior aggressive match since he suffered a cardiac arrest halfway by way of Luton City’s Premier League conflict towards Bournemouth in December 2023.
It was not the primary time the 30-year-old had a severe medical episode throughout a match, having collapsed within the opening phases of Luton’s Championship play-off closing towards Coventry Metropolis simply seven months prior.
What Lockyer needed to say about his return to soccer
Two separate ankle surgical procedures additional delayed Lockyer’s return to motion however now, in an look on the Feast of Soccer podcast, the defender confirmed his intentions to get again doing what he loves most.
“It has been an extended outdated highway, it actually has,” Lockyer stated.
“However I am delighted to say I have been cleared to play soccer once more so clearly that is superb, simply all the things I’ve labored for ever because it [cardiact arrest] occurred.
“Every part appears to be like good so I am actually, actually pleased.”
The 30-year-old is a free agent having been let go by Luton in the summertime.
Lockyer’s highway to restoration
Nevertheless, Lockyer was nonetheless permitted to make use of their services and had entry to the Hatters’ physios on his highway to restoration.
Lockyer even made three appearances for numerous Luton groups as he stepped up his return to enjoying.
The 16-time Wales worldwide performed one half towards Chelmsford Metropolis, 60 minutes towards Studying’s Beneath-21s in addition to a whole recreation towards a Barnet youth group.
Luton CEO Gary Candy reacts to Lockyer’s exit
With Lockyer’s departure from Luton, who he joined as a free agent in September 2020 from Charlton, now official Hatters CEO Gary Candy paid tribute to the principle who led the group to the promised land of the Premier League.
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“I used to be fortunate sufficient to witness Tom full his first 45 minutes of motion for 21 months, contributing admirably alongside our under-21s towards a Chelmsford first group,” Candy stated.
“Witnessing Locks defend towards his outdated teammate Lyle Taylor was a pleasure to see, earlier than watching him lead our kids towards Studying and Barnet.
“It has been an extended highway to restoration for Tom as we’ve diligently nursed him again to health with nice care, enabling him to make selections about his future profession he by no means thought he could be able to make at one level.
“We have taken nice satisfaction in serving to Tom to a full restoration, which can proceed for now with one other membership, however he is aware of that he and his household will all the time be welcome at Luton City, the membership he has known as house for the previous 5 years.
“We thank Tom a lot for the distinguished function he has performed in our success lately.
“His play-off semi-final purpose to stage the tie towards Sunderland won’t ever be forgotten, and his title is firmly etched into Luton City historical past as our first Premier League captain.
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“We stay up for giving him a correct Kenilworth Street send-off when his matchday commitments permit.”
Lockyer departs Luton simply someday after head coach Matt Bloomfield was axed.
The choice was taken to sack Bloomfield after Luton gained simply 5 of their 11 video games to start out the League One marketing campaign following their relegation from the Championship.