Old-fashioned Hatters forward is Shaw of his striking abilities

STRIKER Jon Shaw believes he can bring some old-fashioned qualities to Luton Town’s frontline this season, writes Mike Simmonds.

The 28-year-old bagged 35 goals for Gateshead during last campaign and his signature was one of the most sought after of the summer when leaving the club on a free transfer.

Speaking about the sort of attributes he could bring to the Hatters, Shaw said: “I think I’m an old-fashioned centre forward. That’s how people tend to describe me.

“I’m no Andre Gray. I’m not going to get the ball down and flash past people.

“I hold the ball up, get in the box, head the ball and hopefully score goals.

“I know that I’m coming to a creative team, so I don’t think (scoring goals) will be a problem. Mainly what the fans can expect from me is to work hard. I’ll always give everything I’ve got.

“What I would say to the lads is put the ball in the box and I’ll do my best to get on the end of it, but more than anything I don’t mind being an out-ball for the team.

“I’ll chase balls, try to harry defenders. I’ve got to learn a bit more about my game and I’ll hopefully be able to do what the manager wants me to do if it’s up there as a one, up there in a two or even a three. That’s my job to go out and do what the manager says and do it as best as I possibly can.”

Shaw will certainly start the season bursting with confidence after a prolific couple of campaigns for the Tynesiders, netting over 50 goals in his time up north.

He said: “Last season was brilliant. You do get on that run where you think you’re going to score and hopefully the team I’m moving to, chances are going to come in abundance.”

A much-changed Town squad reported back to pre-season training on Monday, with 13 players having left over the summer, while Lathaniel Rowe-Turner became signing number six this week. Shaw wasn’t worried by the amount of new faces coming into the club and expects them to quickly form a camaraderie for the new campaign.

He said: “There’s still a bit of a nucleus of the side from last year. They’ve all worked under the manager and it’s up to the lads coming in to catch up.

“They all know what the manager expects. It’s going to be an important few weeks, but we’re all at a good age, I think we’re all just looking forward to it.

“I don’t think I’ve played with any of the lads.

“It’s strange for me as I’ve been around the Conference a long time and have usually played with some of them at other clubs.

“I’ve played against them all probably. Years ago, Stuart Fleetwood was scoring in the division, and then got a great move up the leagues.

“I’ve got great respect for anyone who’s come to this club. You’ve got to be a good player, the fans don’t really tolerate it (not playing well) and I think the club is built for success.

“We’re all happy to build on what’s here now and for the future.”

The striker knows the importance of the next few weeks of hard running and fitness work as he continued: “Pre-season is always important. The times where I’ve had a full pre-season is when I’ve scored the most goals. You can’t beat working hard.”

Shaw will also face an early reunion with his former Tynesiders team-mates after the Conference fixtures were announced on Monday morning, with Hatters beginning the season at home to Gatesead.

He tweeted: “Gateshead at home it is and no I won’t b celebratin if i score, I’m sure u understand.”

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