Luton Midfielder Joins Portsmouth

Late last week, it became public that the Hatters midfielder, Ryan Tunnicliffe, had rejected a new contract offer from the club.

Our article – luton.vitalfootball.co.uk/luton-midfielder-set-to-join-hatters-exodus – Suggested that possible destinations, as prompted by our source, included Derby County, Barnsley, Huddersfield Town or Hull City.

Late yesterday evening, it was confirmed by The BBC that the player had agreed a deal to sign for the League One side, Portsmouth.

Tunnicliffe has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal with the option of a third year also on the table.

The move brings an end to a Luton career that saw the player make 68 appearances for the Hatters after signing from Millwall.

To me, it is surprising that Ryan has chosen to drop down a division, especially with so many Championship clubs reputedly showing an interest.

However, the Pompey boss, Danny Cowley, seems delighted with his latest signing and is quoted by our referenced source as having remarked:

“We’ve had to fight off Championship clubs, but he really bought into the project.

“Ryan had a good footballing education at Manchester United and has spent the past eight seasons playing regularly in the Championship.

“He is certainly someone who we feel can help when we’re trying to break sides down and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

Sadly, Ryan’s time at Kenilworth Road was affected by injury, hopefully this fresh start will provide the impetus for him to live up to his potential.

The Hatters may not have received a transfer fee for Ryan, with his contract close to expiration but his departure will help to balance the books when it comes to club salaries, especially with, as it currently stands, seven new arrivals to the club.

Ryan leaves Luton with best wishes from Vital Luton Town and also a plethora of well-meaning posts from the Hatters support:

Thanks for everything Tunni 🙏

— Oh When The Town Podcast (@OhWhenTheTown) June 26, 2021

Good luck Ryan. Thanks for everything.

— 💙🧡Donna Janes💙🧡 (@DottieJanes) June 26, 2021

Quite liked him, didnt deserve the comments he got from everyone, very underrated, bravery and workrate was top. Good luck Tunni

— James Comerford (@comerfordj22) June 26, 2021

Good luck Ryan from Vital Luton Town and we hope your career flourishes at Fratton Park, thanks for your contribution to the Hatters cause during your time with us.

COYH’s