Fans 'cling to hope' of avoiding double relegation

Luton Town fans have been on an emotional rollercoaster this season

A month ago, things were looking bleak for Luton Town, with the threat of a double relegation looming.

Now, after a "tremendous turnaround" and three consecutive wins, the Hatters are hoping to stay in the Championship.

A last-minute goal against Coventry last Saturday lifted Luton out of the relegation zone with one game remaining.

After coming down from the Premier League last season, fans said they were "clinging to hope" ahead of their away match at West Bromwich Albion.

'Incredibly nervous'

Paul Stephens is chairman of the Luton Town Supporters Trust

"This must be the longest week of my life," said Paul Stephens, 66.

"I am incredibly nervous. I am nervous about the impact a bad result will have on us.

"I'm not nervous about how the team will perform, because over the last six or seven games, they've been brilliant.

"The turnaround has been tremendous. The atmosphere at the last three matches has been amazing - the positivity from every fan."

"We were clinging on to hope, and there's always hope," he said.

'Riding high'

Helen Gatward says she feels "drained" after the tumultuous season

Fan Helen Gatward, 44, says she is confident Luton can "get over the line".

"I have to admit I am nervous, but deep down I have got confidence in the guys that they will get the job done.

"The last few weeks are a bit of a blur. I have been physically and mentally drained after the recent games."

She said fans were "riding high on the wave" of April's successes.

"These last three wins have taken us up a notch and given us the confidence we need to get the three points to stay in the Championship.

"The fans are going to be there in good spirit, and we're going to help carry them over the line."

'Miraculous turnaround'

"We just have to win a game of football," says Kevin Harper

Kevin Harper hosts the Luton Town Supporters' Trust Podcast, so he is no stranger to the ups and downs of the Hatters' fortunes.

"I am excited, I am enjoying the football we are playing," the 42-year-old said.

"We are in control of our own destiny. We just have to win a game of football."

He said Luton's manager Matt Bloomfield, who took over in January when Luton were 20th in the Championship, "has been brilliant".

"Matt said he needed time to instil his philosophy, and from the start of March onwards, the turnaround has been miraculous.

"I just hope Saturday goes to plan," said Mr Harper.

Kick-off at The Hawthorns is 12:30 BST.