Hatters cancel training at the Brache due to coronavirus

Luton Town have confirmed that training has been cancelled until further notice due to the current coronavirus pandemic.

The Hatters' players had been attending the Brache as normal, but with the announcement yesterday that the Football League season will be suspended until April 30 at the earliest, the club has taken the decisions to close its doors for the foreseeable future.

A statement this morning said: "Luton Town Football Club would like to advise of some operational changes that have been taken in response to the current unprecedented effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

"In order to protect the health and well-being of players, staff, supporters and regular visitors to its sites, the club has scaled down its activities and will be operating with a skeleton staff at Kenilworth Road, and others working from home where possible.

"The Brache training ground will be closed for team training from Friday 20th March, open only for occasional optional individual ‘tick-over’ fitness sessions.

"Players will be given personal programmes and equipment to use as they continue to train at home to be ready for a return to action when required.

"In line with EFL and FA guidelines, the club’s Under-18 players are currently not training as a squad, and the entire academy is closed until further notice."

Hatters chief executive Gary Sweet said: "These are extremely difficult times for everyone, not just those connected with the club but for the world as a whole.

"This has become a fight for survival for football clubs, for the communities we represent and every individual person within them.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go to those who have already contracted the virus, those who might be suffering currently and, tragically, those who may have already lost loved ones.

“Our thoughts are also with those members of our community who we know will be devastated by not only the absence of football matches to watch, and indeed play in themselves on our many projects, but the changes we have had to make on player appearances and community activities.

“We know how essential they are for many in the local area, but the health and well-being of our staff and supporters – along with the wider public – has to take priority as we look out for each other.

“I speak for everyone connected with Luton Town when I send our best wishes to all supporters, wherever you are in the world.

“It is essential that you take on board the best advice available to ensure that you, your families and friends all stay well during this unprecedented crisis.

“From a Club perspective, we will keep you updated as best we can as the landscape continues to change on a daily basis. Thank you for your support and understanding at what we know is an extremely worrying time for everyone.”

“Meanwhile, may we stand by our friends who are bravely working so hard on the front line defending our livelihoods against this dreadful virus. You are all heroes!”

The Kenilworth Road Ticket Office is also closed to the public, but supporters can still use the online facility or call and email the ticket office on 01582 416976 and [email protected] during the following hours: Monday-Friday: 10am-5pm. Saturday: 9am-midday.

Season tickets for the 2020/21 campaign are due to go on sale this Saturday, and will only be available online for the time being.

The Kenilworth Road store is closed, but the town centre store on Park Street remains open for now during the following hours, Monday-Friday: 10am-4pm; Saturday: 10am-4pm; Sunday: 11am-4pm.