Luton's board insists Town have rediscovered their identity despite challenging season

Luton Town’s board have insisted that the club had rediscovered their ‘identity’ once more despite failing to reach the League One play-offs at the weekend.

Following a second successive relegation, the Hatters had endured a fairly miserable campaign for large parts, until the last few months, when they put together a terrific winning run that saw them almost reach the top six, plus add the Vertu Trophy to their trophy cabinet as well, beating Stockport County 3-1 at Wembley.

That sequence of results saw Town almost snatch a play-off place, but Stevenage’s controversial 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic on the final day of the campaign condemned them to another year in the third tier. Despite that, Luton’s players were still given a tremendous ovation by the near 3,000 travelling supporters at the Toughsheet Stadium, as a statement released by the Hatters board regarding the last 12 months, said: “Confirmation on Saturday that our 2025/26 season has drawn to a conclusion provides us with an opportunity to reflect on a campaign that has tested us, challenged us, and ultimately united us reminding us all of exactly what Luton Town Football Club stands for.

“Missing out on the League One play-offs on the final day is naturally very disappointing, but it does not diminish the resilience shown during a turnaround campaign and the eventual progress made as foundations continue to be reinforced or reorganised across every area of the club. The second half of the season, in particular, has given us huge encouragement, which was ultimately rewarding, if slightly too late. Together, we rediscovered the identity that defines this club – hard work, togetherness, humility and belief.

“The scenes at the full-time whistle after our comeback win against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday showed the clear connection that exists between this club, this manager and his staff, this squad, and our supporters – something which will be critical to maintain as we seek to carry momentum throughout the summer and into the 2026/27 campaign.

“The performances, results and determined spirit shown by the squad and staff over recent months have demonstrated that we are moving firmly in the right direction and carrying genuine momentum into next season. Ending the campaign with just one defeat in our last 17 matches in all competitions, during a run that also saw us lift the Vertu Trophy in front of 34,000 Hatters fans at Wembley Stadium, tells you all you need to know about the direction we’re heading in as a football club.

“That victory at Wembley epitomised everything special about this club: our supporters turning out in extraordinary numbers, our manager, his staff and our players delivering under pressure and the shared belief that continues to drive Luton Town forward. It was a moment that belongs to every Hatters supporter and one that will remain an important part of this season’s story, and more importantly, be forever etched in the club’s history.”

Having relieved Matt Bloomfield of his duties back in October, the club appointed Jack Wilshere as his replacement, the former England and Arsenal star masterminding Town’s superb run of form that saw them go desperately close to extending their campaign, winning nine of his final 11 matches in all competitions, as they ultimately finished just a point away from the dotted line.

With it being the 34-year-old’s maiden role as a number one, having worked with the Gunners U18s and been on the coaching staff at Norwich City, the board were quick to praise the job he has done in the last six months, as the statement continued: “Jack – in his first managerial role – deserves huge credit for our turnaround in the second half of the campaign. He has done a remarkable job in finding the optimal balance between his own footballing principles and the realities of League One football, which he has achieved with great aplomb.

“He will, however, be the first to acknowledge the contribution of his players and his staff, who – collectively – have come together during what was a testing period when he first arrived, to ensure we end the season reflecting positively on the 2025/26 campaign. From our football department to the many non-football staff who represent this club every single day, there has been a shared commitment and professionalism that deserves enormous recognition.

"That togetherness remains one of the club’s greatest strengths and we thank every single person for their hard work this season, whatever your role. Over the last two campaigns, an aggregate of one single point plus a handful of goals have been the difference between success and failure twice. We can’t leave it too late or to luck again if we can possibly avoid it.

Meanwhile, with the summer transfer window opening for business next month, the board also declared they will working hard to put together a squad which is expected to be firmly in the battle to go up next term, saying: “Looking ahead, there is a real belief in the nucleus of the current squad running alongside a recognition that the continued refresh is still needed. With the right support and the right additions, we should challenge strongly in League One next season.

"With the EFL’s reduced Salary Cost Management Protocol looming, despite forced rebudgeting across all clubs, there is also likely to be significant churn across all squads across the leagues, which will create opportunities for us to attract and recruit more players who fit the culture of the club and the demands of our emerging football identity. The board remains committed to building a club that can compete with ambition, while remaining true to the principles of sustainability and long-term planning that continue to guide every decision we make.

“The board would like to emphasise that we set high standards on and off the pitch – the very same standards you expect as supporters. We acknowledge that can improve and are intent on doing so. After the decade of the success we achieved together, the last two seasons have been humbling for us all but we remain ever more committed to developing the encouraging progress exemplified by these last three months.

"Our work starts immediately as we take on this next chapter with a firm plan and unwavering commitment and determination to solidify this turnaround and allow Jack to progress us further on the pitch. It will be another period that will see transitional change but that will ultimately aim to continue our upwards momentum and improve our chances of plying our trade in the Championship in the not-too-distant future.”

Finally, thanking the Town fans who made the trek to Bolton at the weekend and those who have supported the club in their droves despite results not being as they had wanted, especially away from home during an 11-game winless run, the board added: “The final word, as always, should go to the supporters. Looking out across that sea of orange to our left at Wembley was a reminder of what this club means to so many people, and as always, gave us a real sense of pride.

"The same applies to the thousands who have covered the miles up and down the country over the course of the season, packing out away ends and backing the team through some difficult moments and frustrating periods. In challenging moments and positive ones alike, that unity has carried us forward and in recent weeks, that patience has been rewarded with some truly memorable away days.

“We would also like to thank everyone who has sent the many positive messages of encouragement over the last 48 hours over the various channels which provides additional oxygen to ensure we complete this turnaround and get our club back on track, for you. We have experienced extraordinary highs and unforgettable lows in recent years, but we move into the summer united, proud of what has been restored, encouraged by the momentum we have built and fully focused on the next chapter.”