Naismith returns to Luton after Robins exit

Kal Naismith played 44 league games in his three years with Bristol City

Luton Town have signed centre-back Kal Naismith on a free transfer following his release by Bristol City.

Naismith, 33, played for the Hatters from early 2021 to mid-2022 and returned on loan last season, making 10 appearances in their unsuccessful attempt to avoid relegation from the Championship.

"It's really important that Kal is signing for us. He's an incredibly well-respected figure here and has a fantastic history with our football club," said boss Matt Bloomfield.

"Above all, he has fantastic organisational and leadership skills and he's going to play an integral part on and off the pitch for us next season."

Naismith began his career in Glasgow with Rangers and also had spells at Accrington Stanley, Portsmouth and Wigan before joining Luton for the first time in January 2021.

He played 68 games before leaving for Ashton Gate in the summer of 2022, the last two in the Championship play-off semi-final against Huddersfield Town, which Luton lost 2-1 on aggregate.

On his permanent return, he said: "Coming back on loan was amazing, but coming back now as a Luton player is special, and I'm so happy.

"I wanted to continue the journey, so there was no other option in my head. Some clubs just fit, and this club just fits for me. At this stage of my career, I'm still so hungry to be successful and play games."

The length of his deal has not been disclosed, but he added: "I've not signed a life-time contract but look, I would love to, I would tomorrow, because this is where I want to play until I'm done."