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.
21. Moment of the season: First win at Everton
Again, plenty to pick from, Pelly's first Premier League outing, the ovation Tom Lockyer got when returning to Kenilworth Road, Luke Berry scoring a first ever top flight goal, last-minute winners for Cauley Woodrow and Carlton Morris, Jacob Brown's goal against Palace, but I'll go for the 2-1 success at Everton. Having taken just one point from their opening five games, goals from Lockyer and Morris saw Town earn a first victory of the season. The scenes of celebration and total jubilation at the end will live long in the memory. Photo: George Wood
22. Best comeback of the season: Nottingham Forest away
Scoring late on became Luton's speciality during the season, and it was demonstrated brilliantly at the City Ground as Town looked out of it once their nemesis Chris Wood had his second of the afternoon to make it 2-0 with 14 minutes left. With Forest boss Steve Cooper clearly thinking that was the case and making a number of substitutions, Luton made him pay as Chiedozie Ogbene bagged a first goal at this level and then Town's own replacement, Elijah Adebayo, took Tom Lockyer's lofted ball on his chest, shrugged off Joe Worrall and then clinically beat Matt Turner. Right in front of the Luton fans too. Photo: Alex Pantling
23. Nicest touch of the season: James Shea's Premier League debut
With nothing on the final game against Fulham and Town already all but down, the experienced stopper, who has been with the Hatters all the way since their League Two days, came on to make his Premier League debut when introduced for Thomas Kaminski with 15 minutes to go. Entering the fray to huge cheers from the home supporters, he showed he has lost none of his reactions either, making a superb save from Tom Cairney's long-range attempt which almost brought the house down. No matter what happens, the keeper will always have a top flight appearance to his name now. Photo: Liam Smith
24. Best landmark of the season: Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu
Has to be Town's 400-man. Was great to see him complete his history-making journey from non-league to the Premier League at Brighton on the opening day, before he went on to become only the 11th player in the club's lengthy history to reach such a milestone when coming off the bench at Manchester City during the latter stages of the campaign. Will he make 500 for the Hatters? Don't bet against it! Photo: Liam Smith