It's been a season that not many thought they would ever get to witness, I certainly didn’t anyway, Luton Town in the Premier League.
Yes it only lasted one year, but it was still some year and apart from the lack of parking at top flight grounds, it has been quite the 12 months, with memories made that will last a lifetime for both players and supporters. It’s now time to hand out some awards for what was Luton’s 2023-24 campaign in the highest tier of English football.
17. Best atmosphere: Anfield
It was already pretty boisterous during the first half on Merseyside in which the Hatters looked like they were on their way to a shock 1-0 victory thanks to Chiedozie Ogbene's goal. However, the Reds fans then raised the decibel levels even higher during the second period as Anfield came alive, leaving you literally hearing waves of sound when the hosts attacked, which was often. On the pitch, Liverpool's players harnessed the incredible noise to score four times and just blow Luton away, as it's definitely the loudest atmosphere I've ever witnessed in all the years covering the Town. Photo: Liam Smith
18. Worst view: Selhurst Park
The Emirates came close to winning it, as the press box view wasn't great at all for such a new stadium, obscured by a low-hanging roof and shunted away in the corner, but at least you could see the whole pitch, which wasn't the case at Selhurst Park. A very odd set-up puts you sitting on stools in strange rows that are all level with each other, but unable to make out all of the playing surface unless you're a contortionist, of which I am not. Right by that god awful drum too, so definitely an area that needs improving. Photo: Liam Smith
19. Best final whistle ovation: Stamford Bridge
There were wonderful receptions for the Hatters after every single game, from the word go at Brighton, until the very end against Fulham. While Everton would usually stand out as it signalled Luton’s first win back at this level, for anyone who was at Chelsea, that was the moment. Beaten 3-0, while it could have been more, the final whistle brought with it a stunning reception from the visiting fans who were eager to show the players and staff they were behind them no matter what. Even the home support were clearly taken aback by what they were witnessing. Truly spine-tingling.stuff. Photo: Liam Smith
20. Chant of the season: Conference Champions, you'll never sing that
There were plenty of amusing songs coming from the Luton supporters throughout the course of the season, a rendition of 'we'll beat you back to London' to the Manchester United fans at Old Trafford was a particularly good one. However, 'Conference champions, you'll never sing that' heard for the first time on the opening day at the Amex was always going to take some beating. Often received a decent ovation from the home crowd when they cottoned on as well, especially at Villa Park, showing the respect that exists for the Hatters' achievements to reach the top flight in such a short space of time. Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS