Tom Lockyer links up with old club after being cleared to return following cardiac arrest

Tom Lockyer is training with his former club, Bristol Rovers, after being cleared to play football again. The former Luton Town captain has been out of action since suffering a cardiac arrest in the Hatters’ Premier League clash with Bournemouth in December 2023.

The defender was given treatment on the pitch and was then rushed to hospital. He has not played a competitive game since, with two ankle surgeries in the past year further prolong his absence. But having confirmed that he has been given the all-clear to resume his playing career, Lockyer has now linked up with League Two outfit Bristol Rovers as he bids to find a new club.

Lockyer, 30, started his career with Rovers and went on to make 285 appearances for the club before moving on to Charlton Athletic. He spent one season at the Valley ahead of signing for Luton, who he helped to promotion to the Premier League. He confirmed at the start of the week that he would be leaving the Hatters.

Speaking after his departure from Kenilworth Road was confirmed, Lockyer said: “It’s been a long old road, but I am very lucky to have had such wonderful support from those brilliant medical people and everyone at the club to get to this stage.

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“It has been an absolute pleasure to represent and captain this great club on the biggest stage. A stage some never thought possible. I left everything out on the pitch every time I pulled on the orange jersey and I have loved every minute of my five years with Luton. A lot might say they’d die for their club, but I can say I actually have!

“I want to give playing another go, because at least then I can say I gave it everything. I know that can’t be here at Luton, but this club has been a huge part of my life, it’s where I became a Premier League player and a dad, and I’ll never forget the great times we’ve shared.

“I can’t emphasise enough how proud I am to have been your captain. I’ll never forget the feeling of scoring against Bristol City, then in the play-off against Sunderland – what a night at the Kenny!

“Leading the team out at Wembley, then at Brighton for the first game in the Prem and scoring in the first-ever Premier League win at Everton was schoolboy dream stuff.

“Thank you to all the supporters who have backed me, your messages of love and support have helped me through some tough times. And to all of my team-mates, managers, staff and friends right through the club, I can’t emphasise enough how knowing that you’ve had my back has brought me to this stage.

“Luton Town will always have a place in my heart. Our results will always be the first I look for, and I look forward to the day I can come back and say a proper farewell in person. Once a Hatter, always a Hatter.”

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