While holidaying in the Canaries, I was determined to take a complete rest, in order to recharge my batteries.

I had no internet access, no phone and purposely steered clear of the tabloid press.

I had no idea whom Luton Town were interested in signing, or had signed, whilst I did my utmost to soak up the rays.

However, the wife didn’t adhere to my monk like existence, when it came to the media, and as we packed our cases and prepared to return home, she broadly proclaimed that we had completed the signing of Ross Barkley.

After the initial shock had subsided, I asked her to show me the details on her phone, thereby ending my six-day monk like existence.

Out of all our summer signings, that of Ross Barkley is, to me, the most intriguing.

Still just 29-years-of-age, Barkley has had the kind of career many youngsters dream of, having played Premier League football with the likes of Everton, Chelsea and Aston Villa and also having played for England on thirty-three occasions.

But, it is fair to say, his career has not hit the heights originally expected and my Chelsea supporting mates have swamped my phone with messages inferring that, on his day, he is up with the best of them but was, in his time with them, inconsistent.

Last season, Barkley was playing in La Ligue, with Nice and I’m sure that it is a huge culture shock swapping Nice for Luton, but, during the negotiations leading to the deal being concluded, Rob Edwards and his team must have pushed a few of the right buttons to persuade Barkley to throw his hat in the Hatters ring.

Perhaps Ross himself views this opportunity as a chance to prove his doubters wrong and shine in a side that many pundits have already written off.

My view is that, if he can stay fit, he could be just the link we’ve been looking for, to impress those doubters while also assisting with the development of the many youngsters that have joined our club this summer.

Ross Barkley – Mini Fact File

Name – Ross Barkley

Date of Birth – 05-December-1993

Place of Birth – Liverpool, England

Height – 6 feet 2 inches

Position – Midfielder

Youth Career – Everton

Playing Career – Everton, Sheffield Wednesday (loan), Leeds United (loan), Chelsea, Aston Villa (loan), Nice, Luton Town.

International Career – England U16, England U17, England U19, England U20, England U21, England,

Here’s hoping that Ross can establish hmself in the Hatters midfield and can become the driving force he has shown, regulalry, during his career.

COYH’s