'Everyone cares so much about him' - Lockyer returns to Kenilworth Roadpublished at 17:06 30 January
17:06 30 January
Image source, Getty Images
Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer will return to Kenilworth Road for the first time since his cardiac arrest later to watch his team-mates host Brighton.
Lockyer visited the club's Brache HQ on Monday, in a visit that brought "a tear to everybody's eye", according to chief executive Gary Sweet.
"Everyone cares so much about him," Sweet said. "We're not thinking about him and football at the moment, we're thinking about him, his health and his family.
"We'll look after him as far as we possibly can."
Reflecting on when Lockyer collapsed on the pitch during a game at Bournemouth on 16 December, Sweet said: "It was one of the most difficult days of my life.
"When I dashed down from the directors' box to the tunnel, I genuinely thought we had lost him. To get him back round within the three minutes was astonishing.
"It was a horrific week following that and I'm so proud of how the team pulled together. Since then it's brought us a lot closer together."
Luton Town v Brighton: Sutton's predictionspublished at 12:21 30 January
12:21 30 January
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.
For this week's midweek games - on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - he takes on Chelsea fan Matthew Vaughn, director of new spy film Argylle.
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
Luton got a good win over Everton in the FA Cup at the weekend and, in the Premier League, they are in a position that I didn't think was possible for them at the start of the season - which is past the halfway stage with a real chance of staying up.
Even so, I am going to go with Brighton here. They did not score in either of their previous two league games but have hit nine in their past two FA Cup ties, and I don't see Luton keeping them out.
Luton v Brighton: Pick of the statspublished at 17:31 29 January
17:31 29 January
Luton have lost just one of their past 14 home league games against Brighton, though it was the last time they hosted them in April 2008 - in League One.
Brighton have won each of their past three league games against Luton, including a 4-1 victory on the opening weekend of this Premier League season. It is their longest winning run against the Hatters.
After scoring in a club record 32 consecutive league games between March and December last year, Brighton have now failed to score in three of their last five. They could become the first top-flight team to start a calendar year with three consecutive 0-0 draws in the league.
If he plays, Kenilworth Road will be the 47th different ground at which Brighton's James Milner has played a Premier League game. Only four players will have ever played at more different venues in the competition (Ryan Giggs 52, Gareth Barry 49, David James 48, Emile Heskey 48).
Alfie Doughty has five assists in the Premier League this season – no other Luton Town player has more than two. All five of his assists have been from crosses, with four of the goals being headers.
No player has created more chances in the Premier League this season than Brighton’s Pascal Gross (55, level with Bruno Fernandes). Fourteen of these have been for Joao Pedro, with only Mohamed Salah (20 for Darwin Nunez) and Moussa Diaby (15 for Ollie Watkins) creating more for a single team-mate this term.
Edwards on Lockyer visit, team news and 'interest' in Hashiokapublished at 15:21 29 January
15:21 29 January
Rob Edwards has spoken to the media before Luton host Brighton in the Premier League on Tuesday.
Here are the main lines from his news conference:
Edwards said Tom Lockyer's visit to The Brache earlier "was a real special moment and it was great to see him." "I managed to hold it together, believe it or not. It has been a really difficult time for him and his family but it was great to see him."
On how Lockyer is coping: "He has an unbelievable handle over all of it. I wouldn't be able to handle it. He's such an impressive person. There's a rehabilitation process to go through now but he's taking it slowly. He's got a baby on the way and it's really exciting for him. Understandably so, that's his focus now."
Edwards confirmed Gabe Osho is available to play and so is Cauley Woodrow despite breaking his hand in Saturday's FA Cup game against Everton.
Meanwhile, winger Jordan Clark will return to the matchday squad after serving his suspension but Jacob Brown remains sidelined with a bruised knee.
On the potential arrival of Japan international full-back Daiki Hashioka: "He's a player that we like. Nothing has been agreed yet and I want to respect the process but he's a player we like and there's an interest there."
Your views on Saturday's matchpublished at 12:33 29 January
12:33 29 January
We asked for your thoughts on Saturday's FA Cup game between Everton and Luton Town.
Here are some of your views:
Everton fans
Les: I do not know what Sean Dyche is talking about. Everton were out-thought and out-fought, they were second to every ball and the defending was absolutely shocking, especially on set pieces. As an Everton fan, I want to know what we are doing in training.
Rich: In the end, this game was just a question of who wanted it less and we answered that emphatically. Another season that sees any positives end in January. We can now concentrate on the relegation scrap.
Lee: Another poor attacking performance. This should have been a game to be creative, but sadly we did not have the players for it. We need to find a hidden gem from our squad. The strikers we have are low on confidence and have had their chance. Now it is a survival battle and it is time for change. We need to stay in the league.
Karl: Pretty clueless. Perhaps a spell in the Championship would be the best thing. It will give them breathing space to regroup and they could come back with a title win - that would build confidence for life in the Premier League.
Luton fans
David: What a revelation Luton are. A breath of fresh air in the Premier League, where they are punching way above their weight, and now a good cup win. No over the top, excessive wages or inflated egos here! If they can survive the drop this year, many years of success will follow. Rob Edwards is the manager of the year.
Grahame: Yet again Luton showed true grit and deserved the win by anyone's standards. I hope Rob Edwards does not get lured to Anfield, but they could choose far worse. What a manager!
Marcus: We never give up. After equalising, Everton were expected to go on and win this but over the 90 minutes we definitely deserved it. We were creating some really great chances with some super attacking play. We are going toe-to-toe with the Toffees in the league and it feels like we landed a psychological blow on them with the late timing of our winner.
Mick: Exceeding expectations on very low budget shows the benefits of team spirit, teamwork and good coaching. We have had no thrashings yet and have been competitive in almost every game. All to play for in the second half of the season.
'We will scrap, fight and find a way'published at 09:17 29 January
Luton Town are into the fifth round of the greatest club cup competition on the planet, the FA Cup. Although never having won this prestigious trophy, Luton have some history in the competition, having reached the final in 1959, the semi finals three further times; 1985, 1988 and 1994, as well as becoming the first non-league side to knock out Premier League competition in 2013, during our lowest ebb.
The feeling among the fans before our replay against Bolton was more skewed towards “let’s focus on the league”, however upon drawing Everton, a team who dumped us out of the semi final in 1985, as well as in a sixth-round replay the following season in 1986, the feeling in the fanbase shifted dramatically. We felt as if we owed them one.
Following that last-gasp victory courtesy of Cauley Woodrow's late strike in the 96th minute, fans now believe we can go on to make more history, just one more win and we are in a quarter-final.
Cauley’s goal epitomised why both fans and the team believe we can do it. His tenacity and determination to put the ball in the back of the net, was so very Luton. We will scrap, fight and find a way right up to the final whistle, every single game.
'Both managers were trying to gain that little psychological edge'published at 08:07 29 January
08:07 29 January
Former Everton and England midfielder Izzy Christiansen has been praising Luton's performance against Everton on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily: "In order to beat Everton, set pieces need to be a big part of that. I thought in both boxes Luton were brilliant. They looked really organised, had the better chances, and they looked like the team that was going to go on and win it.
"Nevertheless, like Cauley Woodrow said himself [after the game], it was like a basketball game at times. It certainly was.
"I almost wondered whether both managers had left their handbrake off a little bit to see what their teams could produce and to try and gain that little psychological edge as they go back into the Premier League season, because they are directly competing against each other to stay in the Premier League.
"So I just wonder whether that was a bit of a boost for Luton as well. You can see what it meant to them at the end, especially when the players were celebrating with the fans."
Analysis: Everton 1-2 Lutonpublished at 19:00 27 January
19:00 27 January
Image source, Getty Images
Bobbie Jackson, BBC Sport
Goodison Park holds a special place in the hearts of Luton fans.
The Merseyside stadium was the scene of their first-ever Premier League victory when they ran out 2-1 winners in September.
Cauley Woodrow's 96th-minute strike ensured Goodison remains a happy place for the Hatters.
Woodrow was integral to Luton avoiding an FA Cup fourth-round replay against Everton.
Luton had led through a Vitaliy Mykolenko own goal at half time but the Toffees drew level when Tim Krul allowed Jack Harrison's effort to squeeze under his body.
Just when it looked to be heading for a draw, something the two clubs involved in a relegation battle were eager to steer clear of, Woodrow pounced in a crowded area to volley home from six yards.
The win keeps momentum building for Rob Edwards' side, now unbeaten in four across all competitions and with just one loss from their last seven.
A feel-good spirit within the squad, which will only swell further after dramatic late wins like this, could prove key in the second half of the season as they battle to climb up and away from the bottom three.
Everton 1-2 Luton: What Edwards saidpublished at 17:37 27 January
17:37 27 January
Luton Town manager Rob Edwards speaking to BBC Sport after the FA Cup win: "We believe we can go anywhere and win. We were confident coming in to the game. We were a little bit sloppy at times, but there is total belief there."
On Luton's set-piece quality: "The lads really value them and we do really work on them. Twice we have scored from set-pieces here and won the game. We created more chances from open play and probably should've scored others."
On Cauley Woodrow scoring the winner with a broken hand: "I'm really pleased for Cauley. He hasn't been able to get too much game time and get a rhythm. He is a real gem of a lad and he will be a happy man tonight, although he will be in a bit of pain."
On reaching the FA Cup fifth round: "I didn't enjoy many cup runs as a player. We will enjoy this, it does mean a lot and it is important that we enjoy these moments. Hopefully it can give us a feel-good factor going into next week.
"I'm excited to see who we get in fifth round. We have been picking up results and we want that to continue. We are really pleased."
Did you know?
Luton have won twice at Goodison Park this season, beating Everton 2-1 in both the Premier League and FA Cup. It’s the first time they have won twice on the road against a top-flight opponent in a season since 1984-85 (v Stoke City).
Everton 1-2 Luton: What Woodrow saidpublished at 17:28 27 January
17:28 27 January
Luton's match-winner Cauley Woodrow speaking to BBC Sport following his side's dramatic late victory over Everton: "To be fair I don't really remember much. It just fell to me and I managed to tap it in.
"It was a tough game and at the end it was like a basketball match.
"I'm really pleased with myself because I have been waiting a long time for a goal, and also for the travelling fans - they were unbelievable today."
He revealed that he believes he scored with a broken hand, after Everton defender James Tarkowski fell on him earlier in the match: "James Tarkowski fell on me accidentally but I felt it crack, so I was in a bit of shock for a while!"
'Luton probably deserved that'published at 17:22 27 January
17:22 27 January
Image source, Getty Images
Former Everton and England midfielder Izzy Christiansen on BBC Radio 5 Live: "What a hard fought game. It was really transitional, end to end, some really high quality bits, and some scrappy bits too. A brawl, chances, it had everything.
"There was the winning goal in the last few seconds, and Luton probably deserved that.
"Everton had three clean sheets coming into this match and to concede two, you can see the massive disappointment on their faces. It's a huge win for Luton."
Full-time: Everton 1-2 Lutonpublished at 17:18 27 January
17:18 27 January
Substitute Cauley Woodrow scored in additional time to seal a dramatic victory for Luton at Everton in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Everton defender Vitaliy Mykolenko put through his own net late in the opening 45 minutes, unable to get out of the way as Alfie Doughty's delivery from a corner arrived at the near post, to round off a turgid first half of football in which both sides struggled to create openings.
Despite getting back in the tie, Everton were unable to shift the momentum in their favour as Luton carved out the better opportunities, with Elijah Adebayo forcing a fine save out of goalkeeper Joao Virginia and Carlton Morris seeing a shot cleared off the line by Nathan Patterson.
With the minutes ticking on, and Premier League relegation rivals Everton and Luton both keen to avoid a replay, spaces started to appear with greater regularity but, as was the story of the first half, both sides were wasteful.
That was until the 96th minute, when Woodrow volleyed in from close range after a goalmouth scramble when Everton failed to clear their lines from a corner.
It's just the second time Luton have reached the fifth round of the FA Cup since 2012-13, when they were in the Conference Premier - now known as the National League.
Were you at the match or did you follow it from home?
Edwards on FA Cup importance, Giles offer and Barkleypublished at 16:03 26 January
16:03 26 January
Josh Lobley, BBC Sport
Rob Edwards has spoken to the media ahead of Luton's FA Cup match with Everton on Saturday.
Here are the main lines from his news conference:
Edwards recognised the balance between the league and the FA Cup: “The league is of course the most important but this game is next and we will prepare right because we want to win and go as far as we can."
Despite accepting the Premier League takes priority, Edwards did not play down the prestige of the FA Cup: "[It] is an amazing competition so we’re taking it very, very seriously. For us, we want to continue building our performances and the feelgood factor because we’ve been in good form. We’re really looking forward to it. Everton are a brilliant football club, it’s a great stadium so the motivation is there for us.”
He said returning to the ground where they got their first Premier League win gives the Hatters more confidence: "It gives you belief knowing you’ve done it [winning] there before. This will be a different occasion. Everton have won a lot of football matches since that game. But like we did at Sheffield United the other week – we knew we had done it before. Maybe there’s something in that but we’ll see.”
Edwards spoke about Marvellous Nakamba, who will be sidelined for several months: "I love his smile around the place and, while he’s still smiling, you can tell he’s desperate to be out on the pitch."
The club have received an "interesting offer" for Ryan Giles, but the "ball is in the player's court". The Luton boss says there may be one or two more departures if he wants it to happen.
On why Ross Barkley has played in a deeper role than usual Luton: "It works for us. He's able to take the ball a little bit deeper and allows us to build and control the game. It felt natural and he's making it his own. We aren't holding him back and stopping him from getting forward because that's a big part of his game and we don't want to rein him in."
🎧 New Luton Town podcastpublished at 11:55 26 January
11:55 26 January
Luton Town are back from Dubai and gearing up for a return to Everton, where they secured their first Premier League win back in September.
The latest episode of BBC Three Counties' Radio's Luton in the Prem podcast looks ahead to the Goodison Park trip and previews the transfer business the Hatters could conduct before deadline day.
Image source, Getty Images
