Ex-Spurs youngster reflects on 'bittersweet' Championship debut for Luton against Preston

Town midfielder Elliot Thorpe labelled it a ‘bittersweet’ day as he made his Football League debut during Town's 1-0 defeat against Preston North End in the Championship on Saturday.

The 21-year-old, who was signed after being released by Spurs in September 2021, has played twice for the Hatters since arriving, coming on in the FA Cup win at Cambridge last season and featuring in Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup defeat to Newport County on Tuesday evening.

Thorpe was on the bench at the weekend, introduced just after the hour mark with Luton trailing to Brad Potts' stunning strike, a goal that ultimately decided the contest.

Used in the right wingback role again, the Welsh U21 international almost had a hand in the leveller, his excellent cross falling for Allan Campbell to slide wide, as tweeting afterwards, Thorpe said: "Very bitter sweet day, another poor result but a big day for me & my family in making my Championship debut for @LutonTown.

"I’ll keep working hard for more.”

Boss Nathan Jones said of his decision to bring the youngster on: “He did really well in midweek, we’ve seen quite a lot of him in pre-season and what he can do and we just felt he might provide a spark.

"We felt we were controlling the ball, so we put (James) Bree back in to give us an extra impetus in going forward and Thorpey, he put one or two good balls in, it’s just we couldn't quite the goal.

"It’s frustrating really as Tuesday was exactly the same.

"I know we went out of the cup and there’s a lot of negativity, but we should have been out of sight against Newport.

"The chances we had, the opportunities we had, for 50 minutes we were outstanding, for 70 we were good and then we ragged late on when we chased it.

"Our performances levels have been decent, but we haven’t won a game yet and that’s the thing.”

Meanwhile, reacting to his performance on social media, @OhWhenTheTown tweeted: “Showed some bright sparks today mate, a bright future is ahead!

@DaveLuton: “Thought you looked comfortable and composed when you came on and delivered a couple of good balls in.

"Looking forward to seeing more from you.”

@LTFC_1885: “Well done on making your Champ debut.

"Fully deserved after your appearance in the cup midweek.”

@chrisdalton1977: “Thought you made a difference to our play when you came on today - congratulations - here’s hoping for your first start and a good run in the team.”

@daggersfam: “Keep on working hard, be humble and be hungry for that next objective every day when you go to work.

"This is just the beginning. Congratulations @elliotmt and family.”

@ltfchaz: “The only positive out there today.”

@GaryAlanMcPheat: “We are all behind you young man. COYH.”

@JillDevizes: “Great to see you play. Favourite already.”

@Atexo02: “Bossed it, absolutely looked like you belonged out there and didn’t let the occasion get to you.

"First of many this year.”

@JM11_GEE: “You provided a good bit of energy and got us into a couple (should have been 3) of good set piece positions.

"Should be proud of the display - def a championship player.”

@WhitehornAndy: “Well done you are a good lad and will do very good in the game.

"Good attitude bad ref and linesman today, was sitting right near the crunch on you, player should have been carded for that reckless challenge.

“Good luck to you for the rest of the season keep working hard.”

@OshoSZN: “Excellent Elliot, I’m glad you’re getting your chance.”

@Bell1991_: “Done well when you come on lad! Very positive going forward.”

@Martyn1885: “You will be a regular 1st team player.”

@Robbo_73: “You did well, some shocking tackles on yourself.”

@BlockFHatter: “You didn't look out of place at all. Let's have more games for you.”

Meanwhile, former Hatter Danny Hylton said: “Yes thorpey delighted for you bru.”

As team-mate Dion Pereira added: “Congrats brother.”