The lifeblood of Luton Town is under threat if they cannot get promoted out of the Conference in the next two years.

Failure to win a place in the Football League would not only result in a massive reduction of finance into the youth system, but the Hatters may have to release their youngsters, exposing them to approaches from other Football League clubs.

The Hatters hope the newly-formed Supporters Of Luton Youth Development (Solyd] group could help fund the £100,000 shortfall in funds the youth department faces following Luton's relegation out of the Football League, but managing director Gary Sweet admitted they have to safeguard the future of their youth system.

He said: "In two years it exposes risks to what we have set up.

"We've got to take extra measures to mitigate any other risks.

"Other clubs can come in and take our players and we've got to see how we can protect them better.

"It means we have got to mitigate a few more risks. It might cost us more money, but it's a part of the business."

For the full story see this week's News/Gazette.