Luton release former Baggies and Clarets defender after his contract expires at Kenilworth Road
Luton have released experienced defender Erik Pieters after deciding not to extend his stay at Kenilworth Road. The 36-year-old initially joined the Hatters for pre-season training back in the summer, but after not being offered a deal, then penned a short-term contract last month to give Town some defensive cover over the festive period. Pieters, an ex-Netherlands international, was named on the bench for the Championship matches against Derby County, Bristol City and Swansea City but didn’t make it on to the pitch in any of the fixtures, and was then dropped from the match-day squad when Town faced Norwich City, QPR and Nottingham Forest.
New Hatters manager Matt Bloomfield responded to a question on Friday on the former Burnley, PSV Eindhoven, Stoke City, and West Bromwich Albion player by saying: “I need to speak to Gary (Sweet, chief executive) and the club again this afternoon, this evening, and see where that is.” I know when that expires, so once more, we’re trying to evaluate the group as fast as we can, determining what we have and don’t have, budgeting, and all the other things that go into it. There are a lot of variables, and since his contract is about to expire, we will need to make a decision on that very soon.
The decision, however, frees up a spot on the Hatters’ 25-man roster as the transfer market is open and Luton looks to strengthen a club that is currently second bottom in the Championship following Saturday’s goalless draw with Preston North End. After his short-term contract expired, seasoned defender Erik Pieters left Luton Town, according to a statement posted on the team’s official website. In addition to wishing Erik luck in his future career, we would like to thank him for his contributions to the team during his month with us.
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