Luton Town goalkeeper James Shea has signed a new contract with the club today, committing his long-term future to the Championship side.

Having overseen successive promotions from League Two to the Championship, Shea was delighted to have put pen-to-paper today and commit his long-term future to life at Kenilworth Road.

Speaking to the club’s official website today, he said:

“I’m not in the team at the minute, but I love it here. From day one when I joined, I wake up every day and look forward to coming. I’m glad I’m going to be here for a bit longer now.”

Shea was the number one at Luton last season, with 19 clean sheets handing him the joint-golden glove award in League One, and helping his team to a second promotion in as many seasons.

The 28-year-old is a product of the Arsenal youth academy, and has since worked his way through the leagues to land himself at Luton, where he’s made 62 appearances since signing from AFC Wimbledon in July 2017.

His manager Graeme Jones said this about Shea’s contract extension: 

“I’m absolutely delighted that James has re-signed, securing his long-term future at the club. I’ve been really impressed with him since I came in, but also I think signing James helps secure the long-term future of Luton."

The verdict

Although Shea has lost his starting spot to Croatian keeper Simon Sluga, he remains an integral and reliable part of Jones’ Luton.

All three of his appearances have come in the Carabao Cup this season, where he’s proved he’s still a top goalkeeper for the club.

Shea will be looking ahead to the rest of the season now, as he hopes to compete with Sluga for the number one spot.