Luton Town claim they only discovered Kal Naismith had rejected their contract offer and opted to sign for Bristol City when the signing of the Scot was confirmed by the Robins on Friday evening.
Naismith has signed a three-year contract in BS3 and was unveiled at Ashton Gate, eight days after Luton had published their retained list detailing the Scot as one of three players they were in talks with over a new contract.
The Hatters' Player of the Year was a key pillar of Nathan Jones' side as they reached the Championship play-off semi-finals and hopes remained at Kenilworth that the 30-year-old would extend his stay, having first arrived 18 months ago from Wigan Athletic.
However, after City had teased the signing at 7:15pm with a video of kitman and club legend Scott Murray stocking a fridge full of Irn Bru on the Ashton Gate roof, Luton effectively claim the first they knew that they had been unsuccessful in keeping the defender was when, 15 minutes later, Naismith leaned in to grab a can accompanied by the message "Kal Naismith is a Robin" amidst the sound of bagpipes playing 'Flower of Scotland'.
"We have learnt that Kal Naismith has agreed to join Bristol City when his Luton Town contract comes to an end next month," read a club statement released on Saturday afternoon, almost 18 hours after Naismith was confirmed by City.
"We were surprised to discover from our fellow Championship club’s announcement, without advance warning as is the usual etiquette, that the 30-year-old has rejected the opportunity of a new contract at Kenilworth Road.
"The Scot joined the Hatters as a free agent after departing Wigan Athletic in January 2021, and leaves with a total of three goals from 68 appearances, including 45 last season while winning two player of the year awards as Town reached the play-offs.
"We thank Kal for his service to the club and wish him well for the future."
As is common courtesy, clubs will often try and synchronise announcements ensuring that both buyer and seller can deliver the message. That process can sometimes to lead to delays, as two media and administrative teams are then trying to work in conjunction.
Under the Lansdowns, City have always been known as a club that conducts itself "by the book", sometimes to their detriment, such is the unforgiving and unashamedly opportunistic world of football.
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