Nicholls is back at Luton after two years away

Midfielder Kevin Nicholls has re-joined Luton Town on a free transfer from Preston, subject to agreement from the Football League on Monday.

The 29-year-old is back as club captain and Luton are set to announce more signings after exiting administration.

Nicholls, who captained the Hatters to promotion from League Two and League One, left Kenilworth Road two years ago to join Leeds United.

He came on as a second-half substitute in Saturday's friendly with Brighton.

Luton manager Mick Harford said the return of Nicholls was a very important signing for the club.

He told BBC Three Counties Radio: "He's the one person I would like in the situation we are in because we know we are in for a dogfight."

The reason he's come back is to try and help me and Luton Town get ourselves out of this situation Mick Harford

Harford and Nicholls both worked with former managers Joe Kinnear and Mike Newell, and the current Hatters boss was delighted to have Nicholls back as the Hatters start the season on minus 30 points.

"It's probably the most important signing Luton have made for some time, in terms of his effort, his commitment and his desire to play for the club," said Harford.

"He made it plain to us that he wanted to come back and try and help the club stay up this season, he will be the captain and he has made a big commitment.

"He was on a long-term contract at Preston and he's done a deal with them which wasn't very favourable to him.

"The reason he's come back is to try and help me and Luton Town get ourselves out of this situation."

Luton start the new season at home to Port Vale on Saturday.