EXCLUSIVE: Hatters CEO 'sincerely' hopes fans will be back at Kenilworth Road for Canaries clash

Town to find out what tier they will be in on Thursday
Luton will be hoping to welcome some fans back for next Wednesday's game with NorwichLuton will be hoping to welcome some fans back for next Wednesday's game with Norwich
Luton will be hoping to welcome some fans back for next Wednesday's game with Norwich

Luton chief executive Gary Sweet is ‘sincerely’ hoping that the Hatters will be able to welcome fans back for next Wednesday night’s home game against Norwich City at Kenilworth Road.

Prime Minster Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday that some supporters will be allowed back into football grounds again when the four-week lockdown in England ends on December 2.

A maximum of 4,000 fans can attend outdoor events in the lowest-risk area, with 2,000 in tier two areas but none in tier three.

The decisions on what areas will be in what tiers is expected to be revealed tomorrow (Thursday), with Luton finding themselves in tier two ahead of the lockdown period starting.

Speaking exclusively to the Luton News, Sweet said: “We sincerely hope Luton will be categorised as a tier 2 (or even 1) area.

“We - that is the directors, staff and players - are all desperate to be reunited with our fans.

“Not only do we want them back because we feel we’ve missed out at times this season by not having the lift they give the team but we also need their unity and integration with the club - something that should never have been compromised.

“If Luton is unfortunate enough to fall into Category 3, you have my word that we will keep pushing the agenda, politically and practically so it isn’t long before we can open the doors again.”

Sweet also confirmed that should the Hatters get the nod to open their doors once more when the Canaries are in town, they will be in a position in which to do so safely.

He added: “The club has always been ready to get supporters back as soon as practically possible.

“Indeed, it would be disrespectful if we weren’t ready.

“We just need a couple days to put in place the practical protocols required for, what would be, a new modus operandi for all to follow.

“We think providing access to supporters to sports grounds has been long overdue.

“With a well run operation, clear communication and compliant attendees we see no reason why this couldn’t have happened at the beginning of the season, especially when our supporters are outside and keeping their distance.

“And supporters can rest assured that when those turnstiles click again you will all be welcome safe in the knowledge that it will be a safe environment.

“All we ask is for supporters to appreciate that we won’t be able to please everyone, for every home match with the capacities that we will be restricted by but we will absolutely do all we can to make sure that our selection process will be as fair as it possibly can be.”