No windfall yet for Hatters as Gray helps Burnley to the Premier League

Luton Town won't stand to receive a cash windfall just yet despite former striker Andre Gray winning promotion to the Premier League with Burnley yesterday.
Former Hatter Andre Gray will be in the Premier League next seasonFormer Hatter Andre Gray will be in the Premier League next season
Former Hatter Andre Gray will be in the Premier League next season

The 24-year-old has been one of the starring lights for the Clarets this term, scoring 22 goals in 41 games, as they sealed their return to the top flight by beating QPR 1-0 at Turf Moor.

When Gray joined Burnley from Brentford in August last year, Luton received a sell-on clause of just over £1.1m, spread over three seasons, from the undisclosed fee that was paid.

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However, the Clarets have to enjoy a ‘successful Premier League spell’ to trigger another payment, as the statement on Luton’s official club website at the time said: “We are guaranteed to receive a shade over £1.1m from the fee which will be spread over three seasons; an initial figure approaching £300,000 followed by two of just over £400,000 each.

“Should Andre contribute to Burnley’s success, resulting in a successful Premier League spell then we will also benefit further - to the tune of up to £700,000.”

It’s been a real tale of rags to riches for Gray, as after being released from home club Wolves, he then signed for Shrewsbury, before spells at AFC Telford and Hinckley United.

After impressing against Luton in the FA Trophy, he signed for the Hatters in March 2012, going on to score 57 goals in 111 games, helping the club romp to the Conference title, prior to being snapped up by Brentford for a fee around the £600,000 mark.

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Plenty of Gray’s former team-mates took to Twitter to congratulate the striker, as long-serving Town midfielder Jake Howells tweeted: “Unbelieveable achievement from you my man, from where you come from to premiership! proud of you! Enjoy it mate.”

Another ex-Hatter was celebrating Burnley’s success too as with manager Sean Dyche a former Luton player himself, making 15 appearances and scoring once for the club.