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.
25. Best comeuppance of the season: James Trafford
The England U21 keeper had spent large parts of the game at Turf Moor theatrically throwing himself the floor when gathering even the easiest of crosses, running the clock down whenever he could, with his antics frustrating the Luton players and supporters alike. With Town apparently beaten, Alfie Doughty then swung in one last cross which saw Elijah Adebayo stand his ground to bump into Trafford, who hit the deck once more, Carlton Morris heading into an empty net. It looked for all the world like VAR would definitely rule the goal out, but this time it sided with the Hatters and left the keeper looked ever so slightly red-faced. Photo: Gareth Copley
26. Instant karma award: Alfie Doughty at Sheffield United
The wingback had been getting some right old stick from a few supporters on Boxing Day at Bramall Lane when taking his corners, so answered them in the perfect way possible. Collecting Sambi Lokonga's raking crossfield pass, he beat Gustavo Hamer with ease and then poked goalwards, Blades keeper Wes Foderingham somehow letting the ball through his legs for his first goal in the Premier League. Doughty celebrated by going straight over to those who had been abusing him to let them know it was time to quieten down. Photo: Michael Regan
27. Withering stare of the season: Roberto De Zerbi
Understandably wasn't in the best of moods having just watched his Brighton side thumped 4-0 by the Hatters at Kenilworth Road, as it quickly became clear he wasn't about to go into too much detail when discussing the fall-out during his press conference. A one word answer to a fellow reporter was then followed up by a stern glare that seemed to go on for an age until another journalist thankfully jumped in to cut the tension. Photo: Liam Smith
28. Best reaction to a light show: Luton Town fans against Everton
Every time Luton head to a ground that has one of those pre-match light shows, it's always met with the same chant from the away end, questioning with some rather choice language just what it is they are watching. With Town opting to do their own for the first ever time prior to the match against Everton, then as soon as it came on, the same song was immediately struck up, but not from the Toffees fans, nope, the home end. Very funny. Don't change Luton fans, don't ever change. Photo: HENRY NICHOLLS