Willmott is ready to go

Luton Town’s stars are set to be put through their paces for the first time at Ely Way tomorrow after their summer break, but the return holds no fears for the 21-year-old wide man.

While the rigmarole of pre-season is the bane of many professional footballers, Willmott knows that it is a necessary evil.

He said: “I don’t mind pre-season. I’ve seen a lot of decent friendlies we’ve got coming up.

“Everyone knows pre-season is hard work.

“You’ve got to knuckle down and get ready for the season but I don’t mind it.”

Having worked under Hatters boss Gary Brabin when the pair were at Cambridge United, Willmott already has some insight into what to expect.

He said: “It’s not really like some managers where they’re just out to run you into the ground.

“Rather than us running around like headless chickens, Brabs likes to get the balls out and do everything with the ball.”

Wilmott can’t wait to get stuck into Luton’s pre-season line-up which includes Serie A side Parma, Azerbaijan Premier League outfit Gabala, a tour to North Wales and a whole host of local fixtures.

He said: “They keep adding more and more on!

“It’s a real mixture of opposition and that’s what the Conference is. Everyone beats everyone in the Conference.

“It will get us ready for difficult opposition in the league this year.”

It’s been a summer of change with Adam Newton, Lloyd Owusu and Jason Walker having already left the club, but Willmott is looking forward to welcoming new team-mates Aaron O’Connor and Dean Beckwith to Kenilworth Road.

He added: “It’s just part and parcel. You accept a few players will come and go.

“I’m sure we will all make them feel welcome at the club and I’m sure the fans will do the same.”