The 'mind-blowing' irony about Luton's future
- Published
There is a mind-blowing irony that Luton Town’s Premier League fate this season could be decided by points deductions - or appeals against them.
A club which tumbled out of the football league due to an unprecedented 30-point deduction back in 2008, could stay up as a result of sanctions for either of Nottingham Forest or Everton.
The twist is that on appeal a points deduction might get reduced - like with Everton recently - and as a result the Hatters go down.
Forest’s case is being heard this week. The verdict may not be until April. The season finishes in May and any appeal might drag on until after then.
There is this awful doomsday scenario plaguing my mind that Luton could be above the relegation zone following the final matches of the season only to be dumped back into it following a successful deduction appeal.
It surely could not come to that could it? Can you imagine the outcry not just from Luton fans but from worldwide followers of the game? Manager Rob Edwards has described the potential situation as “mental”.
Of course Edwards knows the easiest way to ensure survival is to finish above the bottom three, regardless of points deductions. But that is easier said than done and the likelihood is that the fight to stay in the most exciting league in the world is going to get very, very messy.
In the short term, this could be a nightmare situation for the Hatters but the crumb of comfort is that long term these sanctions will help clubs like Luton.
We saw in the recent January transfer window a massive decrease in money spent on signings with Premier League clubs worried about financial fair play.
It should lead to a more level playing field and that will suit smaller clubs who are run well.
Clubs will have to get their finances in order which should lead to more fairness - and that gives teams like Luton an even better chance in the top league.
Commentary of Crystal Palace v Luton Town on BBC Three Counties Digital Radio and Online (UK only) via BBC Sounds on Saturday from 15:00 GMT
