Luton sign Parkin

Luton Town today completed the signing of striker Sam Parkin from Ipswich Town for an initial fee of £340K, in a deal which could be worth up to £500K. Parkin has been handed a three-year deal and should be available for selection if match fit etc at Molineux on Saturday.

Sam Parkin was born on March 14 1981 in London and was a prolific striker in the lower divisions.

He started his career at Chelsea but was loaned to Milwall, Northampton, Wycombe and Oldham, never quite coming through at Stamford Bridge. He eventually signed for Swindon in 2002 where he scored 67 goals in 120 starts.

He signed for Ipswich in 2005 on a four-year contract in the face of competition for his services from Reading, Brighton and Norwich.

Ipswich had a poor season and he was leading goal scorer, with 5 goals ion 17 matches, before a broken ankle ended his season.

The Tractor boys` fans did not take to him, believing his work rate and pace were not up to Championship level, but Ipswich did not play to his strengths and were a poor side to boot.

When he did not make the starting eleven at the beginning of this season, he made it clear that he wanted out.

It is believed that Luton and Preston both offered around £300K for his services and offered identical packages to the player.

After asking for time to decide, as he felt he was too rushed in signing for Ipswich, which was a big mistake on his part, he eventually chose Luton. He told PNE manager Paul Simpson that he wanted to remain in the south and that was his main reason for his choice.

It remains to be seen whether he will succeed at this level, but with the kind of service provided by the likes of Lewis Emanuel, Carlos Edwards, Kevin Foley and Dean Morgan, he`ll have ample opportunity to prove himself.

Welcome to the club Sammy, and may you fill your boots on our behalf!