Luton Town

Latest updates

  1. Follow Saturday's Premier League gamespublished at 11:39 13 April 2024

    Newcastle v Tottenham, Brentford v Sheffield United, Burnley v Brighton, Manchester City v Luton, Nottingham Forest v Wolves, Bournemouth v Manchester United

    Six matches make up Saturday's Premier League action, and we will bring you every moment.

    BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries:

    • Man City v Luton

    • Bournemouth v Man Utd

    All times BST

    Follow BBC Radio 5 Live commentaries and live text updates here

    Listen on BBC Sounds banner
  2. Manchester City v Luton: Sutton's predictionspublished at 11:18 13 April 2024

    Sutton's predictions against Daniel Mays

    Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

    For this weekend's games, he takes on actor and Leyton Orient fan Daniel Mays.

    Sutton's prediction: 3-0

    Manchester City had to fight to see off Luton in the league at Kenilworth Road earlier in the season, then smashed them in the FA Cup.

    This game is probably going to be more like their last meeting and I am expecting City to win comfortably but, whatever happens to them at Etihad Stadium, Luton will keep on fighting.

    Coming from behind to beat Bournemouth last week was an enormous result for them because it means they are level on points with fourth-bottom Nottingham Forest, rather than a couple of points off safety going into this game where, let's face it, they are unlikely to get anything.

    I still don't feel as if City are at their imperious best but they will be too strong for Luton.

    Daniel's prediction: 4-0

    I think City will have to win every single one of their league games to win the title from here, but Phil Foden is purring at the moment, and Kevin de Bruyne is just class. I don't see Luton even getting a goal.

    See the full list of predictions here

  3. Edwards on lack of centre-halves, Man City and team spiritpublished at 15:40 12 April 2024

    Luton Town boss Rob Edwards has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at Manchester City.

    Here are the key headlines from his news conference:

    • On Luton potentially being without any recognised central defenders: “We’ve got seven centre-halves at this club and not one has trained this week. Maybe we get one, maybe we get both, but maybe we don’t get either. Teden [Mengi] twice pushed through to help us win the game last week against Bournemouth and was in a lot of pain.”

    • On missing Issa Kabore, who is ineligible to play against his parent club: “He’ll be a big miss. He’s had a great attitude and filled in a number of positions.”

    • On facing Manchester City: "We can go there with a belief and a confidence that stranger things have happened. They are a brilliant team with probably the greatest manager of all time and a fantastic group of players, no matter who he [Pep Guardiola] plays. There is pressure on them to win every game because they are fighting for every trophy. We feel the same, just for different reasons."

    • On what Luton need to do against the defending champions: "We’ll have to ride our luck. We’ll need our players to play a 9, 9.5, 10, and Thomas [Kaminski] will need to make some saves if we’re to get something. We’re confident while recognising they are one of the best teams in world football. The players have responded well and trained well. If we get a result, given all the problems we’ve got, it’ll be one of the results of the century.”

    • On the spirit of his players: "The players have been great. The players who are available have been amazing. For them to be giving us what they have over this past month or so when it's been really tough, they deserve so much credit. They are going to go and deliver again tomorrow, I know that. What I can't guarantee is a victory or any kind of points."

    Follow the rest of Friday's news conferences here

  4. 'It seems there is no consistency' - Oxley on rivals' points deductionspublished at 10:39 12 April 2024

    General view of Premier League ball and logoImage source, Getty Images

    Luton Town find themselves in a battle against relegation the drop with Nottingham Forest and Everton, who have both received points deductions this season for breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.

    With appeals processes still to take place for the most recent punishments, there is uncertainty about whether teams will know who will be relegated on the final day of the season.

    "Luton are still in there with a chance [of safety]. There are some huge games coming up with Brentford and Everton and Fulham on the last day. But it all bubbles up again with this Everton points deduction," said BBC Three Counties Radio commentator Simon Oxley on the Luton In The Prem podcast.

    "It just seems there is no consistency. Everton are unhappy because they have been done again and are appealing. Forest are unhappy because [they are wondering] how come Everton only have two [points deducted] and they have four. Luton are starting to make noises.

    "They haven't done themselves any favours, the Premier League. They have taken too long and there is no specific 'if you do X you will get Y'.

    "What people have been saying to me is 'what are Luton going to do? Are they going to go down the legal avenue if push comes to shove?'

    "One thing I picked up from Gary Sweet's interview on the situation is when asked about possible legal action he said 'I don't think so'. They are making their feelings known at Premier League level and in their regular meetings, but it doesn't sound like they are ready yet to bring in the lawyers, but they are keeping across it."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

  5. Points deduction 'farce' is unfair on Lutonpublished at 09:55 11 April 2024

    BBC Sport pundit Michael Brown

    The current situation around points deductions is a complete farce.

    Players might ask "how do you approach it? We might need only four points from the next two games, but if the points deductions change we might need six."

    So they will have needed to go all out in some of these games instead of taking the draw and that is where it is not becoming fair.

    We need the decisions made. How can it be fair when you think a point is enough in a match but actually it is nowhere near enough and you needed all three? It just doesn't make sense.

    Luton's chief executive Gary Sweet has understandably been going mad about the situation. It would be different if Luton were sat there on 17 points and out of it but they are right in it and have done everything right. If they realised the points difference was only going to be three or four points they might have decided to go and spend more money in January. That doesn't mean it is right, but if others are doing it and they think 'we will do it too and take a four-point hit for the overspend' then they might think it is worth it.

    I have had points deducted when I was with Portsmouth when we went into administration. It is a big change around the setup and everything you are going to do. It relegates you, it changes things. But at this level in the main league in the world it is ridiculous. We are only getting these decisions made in April, why could it not have all been done in November?

    I don't think we need to say anything to the Luton players about how to handle it because everything that has been thrown at them they have dealt with and it has been incredible.

    They are setting themselves up for possibly the greatest escape we have ever seen and they are going to give everything.

    Michael Brown was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  6. Manchester City v Luton: Pick of the statspublished at 09:10 11 April 2024

    Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Manchester City and Luton in the Premier League.

    • Man City have won their last four home league games against Luton by an aggregate score of 12-1. They last hosted them in April 1999 in the third tier (2-0) and the last time they played them in the top-flight in February 1992 finished 4-0.

    • Luton have never won an away league match against the reigning top-flight champions in 16 attempts (D3 L13), losing the last nine by an aggregate score of 27-2.

    • Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 40 home games in all competitions (W34 D6), just two short of their all-time club record of 42 set between December 1919 and November 1921.

    • Excluding penalties, only Arsenal (19) and Everton (15) have scored more goals from set-piece situations than Luton in the Premier League this season (14). However, Manchester City have conceded just two such goals so far, fewer than any other side.

    • Phil Foden has scored nine goals in his last nine Premier League games, with his 14 overall this season his best return in a single campaign. His next goal will be his 50th in the competition. He would be the 10th player to reach this milestone for Manchester City, while aged 23 years and 321 days on the day of this game, he would be the second youngest to do so for the club after Erling Haaland earlier this season.

    • Kevin De Bruyne has been involved in nine goals in just 11 Premier League appearances this season, scoring three and assisting six. He is averaging a goal or assist every 75 minutes this term, the best rate of any player (min. 500 minutes).

  7. Why Luton should concentrate on winning three from fivepublished at 16:46 10 April 2024

    Geoff Doyle
    BBC 3CR sports editor

    Luton Town expert view banner

    There was lots to be pleased about in Luton Town's performance against Bournemouth.

    The three points was a necessity and it was achieved. Then there was the spirit shown to come from behind and prove once again that the Hatters will give everything to stay up.

    Then there was the performances of the players. The defensive three - Reece Burke, Issa Kabore and Teden Mengi - just about coped with the Cherries' dynamic frontline. It was a great call from Rob Edwards to switch Burke to be the central figure and he handled Dominic Solanke well.

    In midfield, Jordan Clark grabbed the headlines but Ross Barkley oozed class once again. And up front, Carlton Morris demonstrated, as he has all season, that he is a Premier League striker.

    Luton's season now rests on five winnable games. No-one will say it at Kenilworth Road, but forget about Manchester City at Etihad Stadium on Saturday and concentrate on the last five - of which Luton will probably need to win three.

    You would not put it past them and it would be a huge achievement.

    The points deductions saga has been something I have been predicting for months and the integrity of the Premier League has been brought into question.

    This is why there could be no argument if Luton gave a rest to Morris, Barkley and Mengi, for instance, at the Etihad this weekend in readiness for the final five, one of which is relegation rivals Everton...

    They probably will not do it, but Luton should worry about themselves rather than an arguably devalued league.

    Listen to match commentary of Man City v Luton on BBC Three Counties Radio and on BBC Sounds at 15:00 BST on Saturday

  8. Goals are a lot to expectpublished at 12:20 10 April 2024

    Luke Reddy
    BBC Sport journalist

    Dwight McNeil puts his head into the grass in despairImage source, Getty Images

    It is proving a season of challenge at Goodison Park both on and off the pitch.

    Changing figures in the points column have proved confusing and emotionally draining, while a long, winless run has tested patience.

    One area of struggle continues to be in front of goal, where Sean Dyche's side are posting remarkable numbers in terms of chances passed up.

    Expected goals v actual goals

    Everton - differential: -14.57

    46.57 expected goals v 32 actual goals

    Brentford - differential: -6.96

    51.96 expected goals v 45 actual goals

    Chelsea - differential: -3.28

    58.28 expected goals v 55 actual goals

    The three clubs listed boast the worst records in the Premier League for scoring the chances they would be expected to put away, but Everton's tally appears extreme.

    In contrast, their relegation rivals Luton have scored 6.56 more goals than they would have been expected to from their chances. The Hatters have found the net 45 times from an xG of 38.44.

    That positive differential is the fifth best in the Premier League.

    Will the numbers swing if Dyche's men start finding the net?

    In a season of off-the-field complexity, it is one on-the-field metric that could prove significant.

  9. 'No deterrent' - Hatters chief says Everton 'punishment doesn't fit the crime'published at 07:46 10 April 2024

    General view outside Goodison ParkImage source, Getty Images

    Luton Town chief executive Gary Sweet feels Everton's punishment for breaching financial regulations "doesn't fit the crime".

    On Monday it was announced the Toffees would be deducted two points for breaking Premier League profit and sustainability rules.

    Everton's second points deduction of the season sees them sitting two points and two places above the Hatters, who are in the relegation zone on goal difference.

    Speaking to BBC Three Counties Radio, Sweet said: "It's quite astonishing really. One of the things that disappoints me is that the independent commission that value the level of the penalty clearly hasn't looked into it too deeply.

    "If you look at what clubs do, we spend hundreds of thousands of pounds in data analytics to recruit the right players who are going to give us the goals, give us the points and defend the goals. So we know the value of a goal and the value of a point in monetary terms.

    "If we know then it is not beyond the wit of man with such important decisions like this for an independent party to come up with that kind of data analysis to value an overspend amount and convert to points - and it is never two. It is much higher than two.

    "From that perspective [I am] really disappointed that it is that little. The punishment simply doesn't fit the crime and ultimately what that means is it doesn’t become a deterrent."

    Nottingham Forest - who are level on points with Luton - were also docked four points for financial breaches. Both they and Everton are in appeal processes.

    "If you look at the Forest four [points] - which I was also disappointed with - two points off for co-operating is ridiculous," added Sweet. "You should have had two points added if you didn't co-operate - it should have been six.

    "This is Everton's second time, albeit a smaller level - so it should certainly be a greater amount, but it is not for me to say how many that should be.

    "As a club that has gone through a 30-point deduction for something I see as relatively less, then it is somewhere between the two. It has to be a punishment level that is a real deterrent."

    Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

  10. 'The players believe - they know what needs to be done'published at 12:58 9 April 2024

    Ollie Kay
    Fan writer

    Luton fan's voice banner

    We are up and running for this final stretch of the season!

    The final seven matches were a daunting task, with Luton Town needing to simply get points on the board. This is obviously a tough ask with 10 senior first-team players out, but nonetheless at Kenilworth Road we found that magic touch.

    The atmosphere at Kenilworth Road from when Carlton Morris put in that 90th minute winner till we all left the stadium was electric, with the air filled with belief in our ability to pull survival out the bag.

    The players believe too. With three more crucial home games to come, they know what needs to be done.

    I would also like to reminisce about Joe Kinnear following his passing at the age of 77.

    When Joe was appointed himself as manager of Luton Town in 2001, after a brief stint as director of football, we had been at our lowest ebb for quite a few decades, obviously it would get worse, less than 10 years later.

    After years of watching quite frankly dire football, with crowds dwindling at Kenilworth Road, Joe gave us back belief, brought back great football, had a variety of enjoyable press conferences and gave us a memorable season in 01/02 bringing in players that are still remembered fondly by the fanbase to this very day as legends of the club.

    Ollie Kay can be found at We Are Luton Town, external

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  11. 'There was so many emotions'published at 11:28 9 April 2024

    Media caption,

    Luton winger Andros Townsend spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club about victory against Bournemouth on Saturday and how it was needed in an "emotionally draining" relegation battle.

    The 32 year-old says "sprits are high" ahead of next weekend's match against Manchester City and that he wouldn't put it past the Hatters to get a shock victory.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  12. Challenges against top threepublished at 11:26 9 April 2024

    Luton Town's Andros Townsend has been talking about what it has been like to face the Premier League's top three sides this season.

    Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, the winger said "all three of them have different qualities and that is why they are all at the top of the table by some distance".

    He described Manchester City as the hardest to play against this season due to the fact they were able to beat Luton's "best press every single time," despite the Hatters being on "their top form".

    Luton travel to Etihad Stadium on Saturday with the hope they can get a result after losing 2-1 at home to them in December.

    At Kenilworth Road against Liverpool in November, Townsend's Luton conceded a 95th minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw. But Townsend said "the power of Anfield" was one of the reasons they lost in February.

    Speaking about Arsenal Townsend said how they are "relentless".

    He added: "They beat us in the last second at home. They beat us 2-0 away from home.

    "They scored their first goal and they sort of sat off and just said 'listen we know we're good defensively we're going to sit off and you try and break us down'."

    Listen to the Monday Night Club on BBC Sounds

  13. 'The situation doesn't make sense'published at 09:25 9 April 2024

    Media caption,

    Former Everton and current Luton winger Andros Townsend spoke to the Monday Night Club about the Toffees' ongoing relegation battle following a second points deduction. Townsend says the situation "makes a mockery of the Premier League".

    Listen to the full episode of Monday Night club on BBC Sounds

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  14. Your views on Luton v Bournemouthpublished at 12:47 8 April 2024

    Your views banner

    We asked for your thoughts on Saturday's Premier League game between Luton Town and Bournemouth.

    Here are some of your responses:

    Luton fans

    Nicola: Luton Town, you never cease to surprise me with the levels of commitment and fight you have! These three points are absolutely crucial in the fight we find ourselves in to avoid relegation. I couldn't be prouder of your heart, your spirit, and the way you have played. We are Luton Town and we will not give anything but 100%. Bring on the next game!

    GDM: That second-half performance demonstrated what we are about. The passion, commitment and effort shown by all of the players was clear. You could see how much it meant to the players and the coaching staff at the final whistle. Jordan Clark was fantastic in the second half. I think that was Kabore's best game for us. I love this squad.

    David: As happy as happy can be. What a victory and relentless application by the whole team. A fantastic cameo from Cauley Woodrow. The emotion at the final whistle was palpable - the Kenilworth Road earth shook. The dream is still alive and I am so pleased for Rob Edwards and the whole club.

    Phil: The huge injury list hasn't dulled the Hatters' fighting spirit. The substitutes gave their all when they came on and we wanted it more than Bournemouth. Keep the belief. We have shown the Premier League what can be done on a shoestring budget, without breaking the rules!

    Bournemouth fans

    John: Bournemouth love to give the bottom teams, who are in trouble, a chance to escape the drop! Why? I do not know, but at least we are safe. Well done, Luton. Let's move on and beat Manchester United next week. Up the Cherries.

    Caxtonia: Surely the job of a manager is to organise and guide his team to obtain the best result possible. It is not to criticise their performance after the match has been lost, which surely is a failure on his part as he had all of the opportunities to make beneficial changes while the match was in progress. The place for criticism is the dressing room.

    Robert: Once again, the substitutions beggar belief. Iraola took off our best player by far, Semenyo, and brought on our worst player, Billing. Unsurprisingly, we then go on to lose this game.

    Stew: Very nice Bournemouth. Please can we stop with the nice bits. Please just stuff the rest - you cannot be a saviour forever. Just beat everyone by as much as you can. That is Premier League football - like it or not.

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  15. Luton to survive? Forest to go down?published at 09:12 8 April 2024

    Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga speaks with Luton Town's Teden MengiImage source, Reuters

    Luton Town are going to stay up and Nottingham Forest are "in a mess".

    That is the view of ESPN's senior writer Mark Ogden after watching this weekend's Premier League fixtures unfold.

    A late winner from Carlton Morris against Bournemouth on Saturday drew the Hatters level with Forest on the edge of the relegation zone with just six games to go and, despite a promising performance at Spurs on Sunday, Nuno Espirito Santo's side were defeated.

    "I have backed Luton to stay up, so I think Forest will get relegated," Ogden said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

    "There just seems to be a nervousness in how they are playing and in the way they approach games. It might be because they went through it last season and know how edgy it can be. They got away with last year but now there is a different vibe.

    "As for Luton, this is almost a free hit with no pressure or expectancy. They have a spirit about them."

    Ex-West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker agreed, praising the tenacity and mindset Luton have showed all season.

    "There are no nerves and they just stick to their principles," he said. "They are getting results and believe in what they are doing.

    "For Forest, the last thing they need is to keep conceding goals. They did not kill Tottenham off on Sunday either and they were punished."

    Listen to more on the relegation battle from 26'05 on BBC Sounds

  16. 'Morris is strong, pacey and keeps things very simple'published at 09:11 8 April 2024

    Carlton Morris of Luton Town applauds after the Premier League match between Luton Town and AFC Bournemouth Image source, Getty Images

    Carlton Morris has netted nine goals for Luton Town so far this season, including the Hatters' 90th minute winner against Bournemouth, with former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin labelling him an "old fashioned" striker on Match of the Day.

    "He has got a little bit of an old fashioned centre-forward about him," Dublin said.

    "He is strong, pacey and keeps things very simple, but it works for him. He is 28-years-old, he has just come to the Premier League this season, and he is really enjoying his football as well.

    "He was born in Cambridge, a bit of a tie towards me. He started his career at Norwich, another tie towards me. He has been out on loan at Oxford, York and Hamilton Academicals as well. So, he has really worked hard to get to this position.

    "I like that all he is ever thinking about is trying to make the team better, getting into good goal-scoring positions, and he is quite calm under pressure as well.

    "He is a big lad, he doesn't mind the physicality of the game either. When he gets into the right positions, all he wants to do is try to get an effort on goal. He is good to watch.

    "His hold up play is good. He will play it to his team-mate and then he will forget about it. All he wants to do is get into that area where he is hoping the ball will come into.

    "His goal was a lovely finish - on the volley, it comes across his body, he has moved the defender out of the way with his strength, and then he has used a bit of guile. Then there was the emotion. I think he deserved it."

    Catch up on Match of the Day here

  17. Analysis: Luton 2-1 Bournemouthpublished at 18:49 6 April 2024

    Timothy Abraham
    BBC Sport journalist

    Luton boss Rob Edwards celebrates at full-time after their win over BournemouthImage source, Getty Images

    Rob Edwards went through the full spectrum of emotions during this gritty comeback victory.

    He was a frenetic figure on the sidelines in the first half, his body language adding to a tension on the pitch and a nervousness in the stands.

    However, whatever message the Hatters boss delivered at half-time to Luton's players had the desired impact.

    Luton were purposeful with their play, decisive with execution of their tactics and showed much greater control in possession of the ball.

    Edwards regained his composure, and so did his team.

    Even when they fell behind to the Cherries they kept their nerve to graft their way back into the game with two enterprising goals.

    When Carlton Morris popped up to net the winner the pressure value of a first win in 11 games was released, Edwards turning to celebrate with the supporters.

    When the full-time whistle Edwards was clenching his fists and beating his chest in response to chants of "Town are staying up".

    Kenilworth Road will have a crucial role to play in the remaining home games against Brentford, Everton and Fulham.

    It could prove to be the difference.

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  18. Luton 2-1 Bournemouth: What Edwards saidpublished at 18:27 6 April 2024

    Luton manager Rob Edwards has been speaking to BBC Sport following the comeback win: "We spoke before the game about how important it was. You can guarantee effort, try to be organised and carry out a game plan, but you can’t guarantee a win.

    "The character we showed, we found the result when it was really important to do so.

    "I thought the second-half performance was really good. There was a belief there. The substitutes made an impact. I am really pleased.

    "I feel we have had one and a half really difficult games against Bournemouth - the Tom [Lockyer] situation the first time and then we were 3-0 up and lost 4-3. It is a nice feeling to turn that around and grind that win."

    On his plans for tonight: "I will probably start losing sleep about Manchester City and trying to think about how to stop them."

  19. Luton 2-1 Bournemouth: Key statspublished at 18:04 6 April 2024

    Here are the key facts and figures following Saturday’s game between Luton Town and Bournemouth in the Premier League.

    • Luton picked up their first win in 11 Premier League matches (D3 L7) and also went unbeaten in back-to-back home Premier League games for the first time.

    • The Hatters' victory is the first time that they have won a Premier League match after conceding first.

    • Bournemouth remain without a league double over Luton since 2007-08 and the late defeat also ended their five match unbeaten run in the Premier League.

    • Jordan Clark’s equaliser was his first Premier League goal for Luton Town, after 18th appearances in the competition, and his first league goal since netting against Middlesbrough in the Championship in December 2022.

    • Justin Kluivert’s assist was his first in the Premier League in his 25th appearance. He has been involved in three Premier League goals (scoring two and assisting one) in his past five matches.

    • Both Luton and Bournemouth failed to record a shot on target in the first half of this match. It is just the second time this has happened in the Premier League in 2023-24 (also Aston Villa v Tottenham in March).