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.
33. The you didn't let anyone down award: Rob Edwards
Was able to turn Luton from a side that began by just trying to hold on in games, to actually going at the opposition and looking to attack, scoring against every team they faced in the top flight, no mean feat having been promoted out of the Championship. Handled himself impeccably all campaign too, happy to answer any question during his interviews, of which there were plenty in the Premier League. His reaction to Lockyer's cardiac arrest and actions in the aftermath spoke volumes about the kind of man he is, with the tears when unable to save Luton completely genuine and heartfelt. Thought he had let people down by being unable to keep Town up. He hadn't. Not at all. Photo: Liam Smith
34. Heroes of the season: Medical staff at AFC Bournemouth
It can only be the Hatters and AFC Bournemouth’s medical team, plus the paramedics who were at the Vitality Stadium on that day back in December when Tom Lockyer suffered his on-field cardiac arrest. Had they not done their jobs to perfection, Town’s skipper wouldn’t be here today and able to parade his new baby girl around Kenilworth Road after the final game of the season. It’s as simple as that. Photo: Warren Little
35. Worst prediction of the season: Garth Crooks
The BBC 'pundit' stated Luton would be relegated by Christmas, this coming after a 2-1 home defeat against West Ham, which was only the club's third game of the Premier League campaign, yes their third game. Not only was it mathematically impossible, but it also made the former Spurs striker just look downright silly, with Town and fellow football supporters unable to take anything he said afterwards seriously. Yes Town did ultimately go down, but it wasn't official until after the last game with Fulham, as the injury-hit Hatters maintained their top flight status for far longer than Crooks had expected. Photo: Gareth Cattermole