Bell eyes Premier League campaign after inking new deal
LONDON, England (CMC) – Centre-back Amari’i Bell has secured his first taste of the English top flight after signing a contract extension at newly promoted Luton Town.
The 29-year-old, currently on duty with Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz at the Concacaf Gold Cup in the United States, joined Luton Town from Blackburn Rovers two years ago and has made 97 appearances for the East England club, nicknamed the “Hatters”.
“It’s an opportunity that everyone wants to take, and I can’t wait for it,” Bell said of the new contract, the length of which was not disclosed by the club.
“It was just a matter of time, but I’m so happy to get it done and now all I can think about is coming back and getting ready for the season ahead.”
Luton Town reached the Premier League in dramatic fashion after beating Coventry City on penalties in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium last May.
Bell played a key role in Luton’s victory, paving the way for his Premier League campaign, following a career that took him from third-tier Fleetwood Town.
And Luton Town manager Rob Edwards said Bell was deserving of the new deal, having established himself as a crucial part of the club’s defence.
“If he wasn’t already, Amari’i quickly became one of our most important players after we came in,” Edwards said.
“From our first game when he got sent off against Middlesbrough, to how he performed in the play-off final, in that second half of the season he was outstanding.
“I know he had done it before, but with us changing his position slightly, I thought he took to it so well.
“He’s an experienced player, but I think he’s shown more confidence and belief in himself, more maturity in his play, more bravery. He was stepping in and at times overlapping.”
He continued: “It’s not just his defensive work, which I thought was brilliant, but also his football and allowing us to add a different dimension to our play.
“He was a key to that, so to get his contract sorted is really pleasing. Amari’i is a big part of what we do.
“We love him. He’s a brilliant guy and, like with Luke Berry, it is important for us to keep that core who have been successful.
“He’s another player who thoroughly deserves the opportunity to play Premier League football.”
