What a day. It began at Luton bus station shortly before 9am, and ended in a similar location just before Match of the Day kicked off. What a shame the BBC didn't recall Garth Crooks to the pundit sofa for one night only to reflect on his ridiculous comments made a few weeks ago. 3,000 Luton fans who were up on Merseyside know that this Hatters side are going to hold their own in the Premier League. A dash from the bus just after 3pm meant we missed the first few minutes but by the time we were standing in the Bullens Upper Luton were well on top. A succession of corners delivered expertly by Alfie Doughty gave the Toffees warning. At the third time of asking Carlton rose like a colossus to thunder a header on to the bar via a Pickford flick. As the ball came rocketing down, Ashley Young must have imagined he was back at the Watford training ground and thought it was time for a shimmy. He had reckoned without Tommy Tommy Lockyer who charged forward and the ball crashed into the ne...
71 days until Luton play their first game back in the top flight. Today our contract renewals were announced. First off, departing is club captain Sonny Bradley, who we all knew was leaving anyway. Then we have lawn-mowing expert Henri Lansbury, who has been a valuable player for us in his later years as a footballer. Finally, Harry Isted departs, having shone on loan at Barnsley. Luton Digital would like to wish all three players the very very best.
Unfortunately, our three loan players, Horvath, Nakamba and Drameh depart back to their parent clubs. Let's hope this is only temporary, as all three played such a pivotal role in this historic season. The club will surely be considering permanent deals for all three.
Now, besides the players just mentioned, every other player whose contract was running out has been offered an extension, or their options for a further year have been triggered. The one year options for Osho, Potts and Thorpe have been triggered, while new contracts have been offered to Lockyer, Bell, Berry and Pelly.
Returning loanees include Macey, Rea, Pereira, Mendes Gomes and McAtee. All of those players with the possible exception of McAtee will likely be available for transfer if offers come in.
With the immense Premier League finances, the club will have more money to hand out and it is likely that most if not all of the players handed new contracts will choose to stay. There was a sneaky hint as well about one of the Hatters top players renewing, with the club's announcement of Lockyer returning home stating that he will rest before 'pre-season training.'
Exciting times are ahead for the mighty Luton Town.
By Samuel Roy