HARFORD REJECTS RUMOURS OF FOJUT RETURN

Luton Town manager Mick Harford has denied rumours that he is looking to sign Polish former Hatters defender Jaroslaw Fojut from Premiership Bolton Wanderers on loan.

Fojut became a huge fans’ favourite after making 16 appearances on loan at Kenilworth Road last season.

However, Harford - who is wrestling with a 27-point deficit in League Two - insists he has yet to approach Bolton regarding Fojut.
"We haven't made contact with Bolton for Fojut," Harford told skysports.com.

Polish Youth International central defender Fojut joined Luton Town on a six-month loan deal from Premiership side Bolton Wanderers on transfer deadline day in August 2007.

Fojut, nicknamed “The Butcher” due to his no-nonsense style of play, joined Bolton in 2004 after spells at youth level in his native Poland with Legionovia Legionowo, Darzbór Szczecinek and MSP Szamotuly.

He was spotted playing for Bolton’s reserves by Hatters boss Kevin Blackwell’s scouting team and has been snapped-up on loan until January 2008. He was signed to provide cover for central defenders Chris Coyne and Chris Perry.

Fojut has played at senior level at The Reebok Stadium, making his debut as a substitute against Luton’s arch rivals Watford in a 3-0 FA Cup Third Round win in January 2006. A month later he made his Premiership debut, coming on as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

Two further outings at senior level followed the following campaign – 2006-07 – in League Cup clashes at Walsall and Charlton Athletic.
Fojut had a tremendous loan spell with Luton Town that lasted for four-months until January 2008.

During his time at Kenilworth Road, Fojut endeared himself to the Hatters faithful with his colossal defensive displays and determination and he became a huge fans’ favourite.

He made 23 appearances in all competitions for the Hatters (16 in the League), scoring 3 goals, and his performances belied his years. Such a consistent performer and oozing class, Fojut produced many memorable performances, including man-of-the-match displays against Premiership side Everton in the Carling Cup and in victories over Nottingham Forest in the League and FA Cup.

He scored three goals during the campaign, the first coming in a 2-0 FA Cup win at Brentford, and the other two in League clashes at Oldham Athletic (1-1) and Port Vale (2-1).

However, with his loan spell coming to an end at the beginning of January 2008, Luton Town were in administration and the Football League refused the then Hatters manager Kevin Blackwell permission to extend Fojut’s loan spell, much to the disgust of Blackwell, who labelled the decision “Despicable.”

The decision seemed even more unfair given that Fojut was enjoying his time at Kenilworth Road and didn’t want to leave, feeling that playing with Luton Town at this stage of his career was the right thing for his football development.

Unfortunately, the Football League’s decision stood and Fojut made his final appearance for Luton Town in a 1-0 home win over Yeovil Town on New Years Day, where he received a standing ovation both before and after the match, which was a testament to his performances for the Hatters. At the end of the game, Fojut threw his shirt into the crowd and saluted the Luton Town fans.

Rarely in football, and certainly not at Luton Town, can a loan player have made such an impact and endeared himself to the fans so much and Fojut’s loss was a huge blow to the Hatters. According to manager Kevin Blackwell, he left Kenilworth Road, “A far better player than when he arrived” and it was a statement that nobody could argue with.

A player of massive potential, Fojut returned to parent club Bolton Wanderers with the thanks and best wishes of everyone at Luton Town Football Club.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Dean Brill could be one player on his way out of Kenilworth Road.

The Hatters signed Leicester City shot-stopper Conrad Logan on loan earlier on Thursday, which has stoked conjecture surrounding Brill's future.

"We've had lots of enquiries for our players and Dean Brill is one of those," added Harford.

"It's coming up to that time in the window when clubs are looking to strengthen their squads and Dean Brill is, in my opinion, a very good goalkeeper who is going to go on and be a top-class keeper.

"So, I'm not surprised that there's been interest in Dean Brill.

"If the offer's right and it is right for Dean and the Football Club then we would consider it."
Story date: Thursday, August 21, 2008