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.
29. Best food: Stamford Bridge
Something that all journalists like to judge is the pre-match meal served up to the press before a contest. Standards have been raised beyond belief this term, Manchester City's pulled beef with a Yorkshire pudding deserving of a big mention, as does the gravy at AFC Bournemouth and the roasted carrots Spurs dished up. However, the spread that was laid out by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge took the biscuit so to speak. Never have I seen so many options to choose from at a football match before. I didn't, but I'd have happily paid for it. Photo: Eddie Keogh
30. Best sausage roll: Goodison Park
So good that it deserves its own category. Never have I consumed a sausage roll as tasty as the ones the Toffees serve up at half time at Goodison Park. Truly delicious. Knowing it was on the menu meant the second trip to Merseyside in the FA Cup was a bonus as well. Photo: Alex Livesey
31. Toughest ground to get into: The Etihad
Liverpool was pretty tricky when you haven't read the pre-match information that states the accreditation is picked up from a hut nowhere near the entrance, and it’s the same kind of thing at Manchester City. With press passes to be collected seemingly miles away from the ground, then there’s actually the issue accessing the stadium. It's harder than you think if you don’t have a lanyard because the club has run out and the steward is sticking rigidly to his orders from upstairs not to let you in without one, wondering if you can just go and find one from the swarms of supporters who are also attending. Thankfully a spare was eventually located, but things were getting tense. Photo: Matt McNulty
32. Best celebrity spotted: Hugh Grant
Yes, Luton had Harry Styles at one of their games this season, the One Direction singer at the Manchester United clash, but I didn't actually get to see him myself. There was plenty of footballing royalty at Town matches all throughout the campaign due to the greater coverage that comes from being in the Premier League, but having Hugh Grant sit right in front of me at Craven Cottage wins this newly-created award. And no, he wasn't dressed like an Oompa Loompa. Photo: JC Olivera