LUTON TOWN'S GREATEST EVER PLAYERS (FULL BACKS)
Submitted by Andrew McMellon (@andrew_mc84)
Host of My Best Eleven Podcast, Journalist and Pundit (https://mybesteleven.podbean.com/) (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosPHLqTf7KuZfKVtlVLy0Q)
Next up is the full back position. The club has been blessed over the years with numerous players who can play in that position but some left before showing their potential or played in numerous positions (Matthew Taylor, Mal Donaghy and Mike Saxby for example). Below are some players and interesting most can play both sides of the pitch
James Justin A player who came through the academy at Luton and spent a few seasons in and out of the team. He is actually a native right back but got into the Luton team and got his move to Leicester as a left back as part of the attacking full back diamond which Jones then Harford played in League One title season (2018-19). He is a player who has pace and great reading of the game and positioning on the pitch. Will soon be an England international and if he manages to shake off injuries, he will be challenging for one of the berths in the Qatar 2022 squad.
Tim Breaker A right back who was loved by so many ex pros for his bags of energy and occasional goal scoring. Rumours have it that Billy Bonds bought him from Luton off the back of the wonder goal against Derby County. He went on to play for numerous clubs but notably West Ham and QPR after coming through the ranks at Luton and playing the numerous FA Cup Semi Finals and League Cup Finals in the 80’s with the club. Never gained an England cap but had a couple of U21 appearances.
Mitchell Thomas A player who started at Limbury boys in Luton and made it to the top of his game in Division 1 as well as Premier League. Could play across the back 4 but was most at home in full back, despite finishing his career in defensive midfield for Burnley. A man who was always at the top of his game when he had a smile on his face, and it was that love of the game that led David Pleat to take him to Spurs with him in the mid 80’s. He had bags of energy but according to many a player (Ricky Hill, Marvin Johnson and Steve Foster to name a few), he certainly let you know if he did not get the ball into his feet or exposed him at the back. A proper player and proper guy!
