Peter Kioso reveals why he chose Luton Town - as Hartlepool United respond to his exit

The Hatters’ interest in Kioso was revealed on Tuesday, and the versatile defender has now sealed a permanent move to the Championship side – ending his 18-month stint at Victoria Park.

Pools have now confirmed that they offered the 21-year-old a new deal in the summer, and knocked-back subsequent offers over the course of the campaign as interest mounted in the full-back.

Kioso, who was released by MK Dons as a teenager, was snapped up by Pools from Southern League side Dunstable Town in the summer of 2018 and has since become a firm favourite among the club’s supporters.

Speaking after sealing his move to the Hatters, Kioso revealed that a desire to return to the upper echelons of the game saw him decide to leave Hartlepool.

“I’m delighted to sign,” he said, speaking to Luton Town’s website.

“With all the history that Luton has as a club, I’m just buzzing to get going.

“It’s always been an ambition for me to get back into the Football League and I wouldn’t be one to lie – the two years that I have been at Hartlepool, I’ve been seeing how well Luton have been doing.

“Everyone talks about Luton and they are definitely going to get to the highest stage possible. I want to be there to help. That’s the reason why I came here.

“I’ve seen that they are going to get a big new stadium, the new training ground, everything – the way they produce players is amazing here.”

A Hartlepool club statement confirming Kioso’s exit said: “His excellent form led to him being offered a new deal on enhanced terms during the summer which was turned down, before the Club subsequently exercised the option year in his original contract.

“Further offers were made to him during the course of the current campaign which were all also turned down and it became clear that he wished to explore alternatives.”

It continued: “Everyone at Victoria Park would like to thank Peter for his efforts and wish him every success in his future career.”