Maher signs for Luton Town

[James]

Maher signs for Luton Town by Robert Reid
(www.inthenet.ie)

Shaun Maher has signed for Luton Town to end speculation about his future

SHAUN MAHER has signed for Luton Town.
Maher, 23, finally ended speculation about his future when he lined out for the Luton reserves in the Combination League at Barnet on Wednesday.
Luton won 3-0 at Underhill and he almost marked his competitive debut for the Hatters with a goal.

He guested for Luton in a 1-1 draw against Tottenham in a pre-season friendly, but left for a trial with Bournemouth before Hatters boss Joe Kinnear could offer him a contract.

Maher’s departure for Bournemouth appeared to have blown his chances of landing a deal with Luton, but Kinnear moved for the former Bohs man after the Cherries were unable to match the terms he was on with the Dubliners.

He was believed to be on more than a grand a week at Dalymount Park.

Luton dominated from the start and Maher was unlucky to have his shot blocked when a goal seemed a certainty on 14 minutes.
Maher stood out in front of the watching Kinnear. He was influential at set plays throughout the game and proved a handful for the Barnet defence.
Maher could now be in line to make his full league debut for Luton in the Third Division against Cheltenham at Kenilworth Road on Saturday.

[Citymark]

It's a shame to think that he has left Bohs for a team like Luton Town! OK they have Joe Kinnear as manager and look a good bet for promotion but surely EL Premier Division is higher standard than English 3rd? I couldn't see Luton paying much more in wages than what Bohs were. Sad day when best players leave the league.

[James]

yea but the sad truth of the matter is that he stands a better chance of getting by the so called bigger clubs while in England. Who knows if Luton do get promoted or have a good cup run then he gets more of the spotlight and from his point of view has a better chance of moving onto bigger things

It is though a shame as the 3rd div standard isnt great though

[pete]

While Luton are very good bets for promotion the 3rd division is very poor standard & very few players make the jump to the top teams anymore.

3rd division players to me always look huge with little skill. Seems to be a very physical league & Mahers cultured play may be suited to. On the other hand he might stand out amoung the dross.

[Pauro 76]

At least he can develop into a better player at Luton under a good boss like Kinnear. They'd be a good bet for promotion

[James]

despite the fact that he played for the Luton reserves no deal has been finalised yet, according to both the luton town website and also the local newspapers

Luton and bedforshire news
which states that
"Bohemians defender Maher has been offered a contract with the Hatters and Kinnear has given him until today (Friday) to make a decision.

If he signs he will start in the home match with Cheltenham (tomorrow) but his fiancee is reluctant to move from Dublin and that could prevent a transfer"