Claude Gnakpa Johouri (born 9 June 1983 in Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône) is a French footballer of Ivorian descent who plays for Luton Town. His usually plays as a central defender or right-back.

[edit] Career

Gnakpa began as a youth player for Montpellier HSC, then appeared for local sides Marignane and Beaucaire, before moving abroad to play for Racing de Santander B, Deportivo Alavés B and FC Vaduz. In March 2007, Gnakpa was signed on transfer deadline day by Swindon Town boss Paul Sturrock on a short-term contract. Gnakpa failed to play for Swindon's first team, appearing only as an unused substitute in one match, before he was released at the end of the season.

In July 2007, Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson took Gnakpa on trial.^[1] He was eventually signed by the club. The "Flying Frenchman" was quickly made a regular at London Road and with his notoriously strong tackle and terrifying pace he cemented his place in the team.^[2]

In May 2008, it was reported that Gnakpa had rejected Peterborough's offer of an improved contract following the side's promotion to League One, and would instead search for another club. Reportedly, Gnakpa harboured interested from Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, League Two outfit Luton Town, and Scottish Premier side Aberdeen.^[3]

However, after impressing Hatters manager Mick Harford during a trial period at Kenilworth Road, he joined Luton Town prior to the start of the 2008-09 campaign, with the Hatters starting League Two on an unprecedented –30 points.^[4]

On 5 April 2009, Gnakpa scored an extra-time winner as Luton defeated Scunthorpe United 3-2 to win the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Wembley Stadium.^[5]

[edit] Honours

Luton Town

• Football League Trophy winner: 2008–09

[edit] Notes

[edit] External links

• Claude Gnakpa career stats at Soccerbase
• Profile at UpThePosh! The Peterborough United Database

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