Former Luton captain Tom Lockyer has signed a contract till the tip of the season with Bristol Rovers.
The Wales worldwide first joined Rovers as a 16-year-old after being launched by Cardiff Metropolis and went on to characterize the Gasoline 285 instances throughout all competitions.
He went again to coach with Bristol Rovers earlier this month and he has now signed a short-term cope with the League Two membership.
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 in opposition to Bournemouth in December 2023.
It was not the primary time the 30-year-old had a critical medical episode throughout a match, having collapsed within the opening levels of Luton’s Championship play-off ultimate in opposition to 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, he is again to doing what he loves most.
“It’s so exhausting to elucidate nevertheless it’s all the things I’ve labored so exhausting for over the past two years,” Lockyer advised Bristol Rovers’ media channels.
“Hopefully I can have many, many extra good recollections in a soccer shirt.
“I’m going to rejoice the little wins again on a soccer pitch and I simply need to get pleasure from it. I wouldn’t be doing this in any other case.
“I’m doing this as a result of I like enjoying soccer and I’ve bought that large need to play soccer once more, and what higher place to do this than again residence at Bristol Rovers.”
Lockyer’s street to restoration
Regardless of his contract ending in the summertime, Lockyer was nonetheless permitted to make use of Luton’s amenities and had entry to the Hatters’ physios on his street to restoration.
Lockyer even made three appearances for varied Luton groups as he stepped up his return to enjoying.
The 16-time Wales worldwide performed one half in opposition to Chelmsford Metropolis, 60 minutes in opposition to Studying’s Below-21s in addition to a whole sport in opposition to a Barnet youth crew.
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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 primary who led the crew to the promised land of the Premier League.
“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 in opposition to a Chelmsford first crew,” Candy mentioned.
“Witnessing Locks defend in opposition to his previous teammate Lyle Taylor was a pleasure to see, earlier than watching him lead our children in opposition to Studying and Barnet.
“It has been an extended street 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 can be ready to make at one level.
“We have taken nice pleasure 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 residence for the previous 5 years.
“We thank Tom a lot for the distinguished position he has performed in our success lately.
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“His play-off semi-final purpose to degree the tie in opposition to Sunderland won’t ever be forgotten, and his title is firmly etched into Luton City historical past as our first Premier League captain.
“We look ahead to giving him a correct Kenilworth Street send-off when his matchday commitments enable.”