Special faces are back at Kenilworth Road once more thanks to Luton Town fan

There were some special faces watching on from the stands at Kenilworth Road once more for the Hatters’ home game against Preston North End on Saturday.

With supporters not allowed inside the ground due to the social distancing rules following the coronavirus pandemic, the club encouraged fans to send in photos of themselves to be printed on to cut-out boards in a special ‘Hatters Home from Home’ scheme.

Then a brainwave of Mark Stephenson, a Hatters fans for almost 40 years, saw a poignant touch added, with a fund set up to pay for the images of former players who have sadly died to be used, such as David Preece, Les Sealey, Mark Ovendale and Andy King, plus ex-manager Ray Harford.

On how he came up with the idea, Stephenson said: “My friend and fellow-poster on the Luton Outlaws fans messageboard, Wayne, suggested to me the idea of using this scheme as a way of also remembering players and fans who are no longer with us.

“I agreed to post a message sounding out what fans thought of the idea and the response was very positive.

“We’ve done the fundraising for this entirely through the Luton Outlaws site.

“So far we have raised just over £1,000 and have bought 24 boards.

“We also have new suggestions and orders coming in all the time.”

It’s not just ex-players who are having their faces present at games either though, as Stephenson continued: “As well as that we have also done many fans who are no longer with us, all with permission of their relatives.

“They include James Justin’s father Mick, who passed away recently, and Kevin Catlin, a prominent fan who helped significantly when the club was in administration in 2003 and 2007.

“There are also lots of ordinary fans, some who passed away at a young age and touched a chord with many supporters.

“There’s also Eric Morecambe and Ian Pearce (Three Counties Radio commentator) already installed in the ground.”

The contingent is expected to grow ahead of the final four games of the Championship season too, as Stephenson said: “I have placed orders to remember some of the 1959 FA Cup Final side who are no longer with us, Bob Morton, Ken Hawkes and John Groves, and also Fred Jardine, who passed away last year.

“I’ve just received approval from the family of John Faulkner and we still have funds to order more, so anyone is welcome to get in touch on behalf of an ex-player or fan who is no longer with us.”

Speaking about the reaction from supporters has been so far, Stephenson said: “The response has been amazing. I thought we might raise about £200, but in a week we have raised over £1,000, which considering the current financial climate is fantastic.

“Although the money will help the club, I think it’s more been about just being a nice thing to do though.”

Meanwhile, the response from the families of the former players has been wonderful too as Stephenson added: “The reaction has been overwhelming.

“All of the families have passed on their thanks while during and after the game on Saturday I was receiving emails from family members who had spotted our cut-outs of their loved one on the live coverage of the match.

“Mark Ovendale’s niece and mum also got in touch, and she sent a message saying: ‘I am truly humbled by the endless love, support and kindness shown in Mark’s memory.

“‘I can never do anything to repay you all. My heart is helped to heal by you all.

“Please send my heartfelt thanks to all involved and from Tracey, Mark’s sister, too.’”

If you would like to get in touch with Mark to see another player or supporter involved, then email [email protected] and your details will be passed across.