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OUR TOWN OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2020-21 ISSUE #10 | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END 12.12.20 | KO: 3:00PM

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OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.12.20

LUTON TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB 2020 LTD

Kenilworth Road Stadium, 1 Maple Road East, Luton, Bedfordshire LU4 8AW Switchboard: 01582 411622 | Tickets: 01582 416976 info@lutontown.co.uk

CONTENTS

V

CLUB OFFICIALS

Chairman: David Wilkinson Chief Executive Officer: Gary Sweet Directors: Paul Ballantyne, Stephen Browne Bob Curson, Mike Herrick, Rob Stringer Shareholders: Kailesh Karavadra, Luton Town Supporters Trust Honorary Vice President: John Buttle Vice Presidents: Richard Banks, Cliff Bassett, Gary Chamberlain, Doug Knight, Ian Gazeley, Emma Banks, Ben Banks, Ian Montone, Nick Owen First Team Manager: Nathan Jones Assistant Manager: Mick Harford First Team Coaches: Paul Hart & Chris Cohen Head of Goalkeeping: Kevin Dearden Performance Analyst: Peter Booker Analyst: Dan Bond Chief Recruitment Officer: Mick Harford Head of Medical: Simon Parsell Physiotherapist: Chris Phillips Therapist/Kit Man: Darren Cook Head of Sports Science: James Redden Academy & Development Manager: Andy Awford Head of Academy Coaching & Professional Player Development: Adrian Forbes Professional Development Phase Lead Coach: Dan Walder Academy Administrator: Emily Howes General Operations Manager: Paul Watson Club Secretary: Chris Clark Financial Controller: Tom Schofield Safety Officer: Andrew Bracken Head of Commercial: Chris Bell Site & Facilities Manager: Peter Kemp Head Groundsman: Richard Bird Marketing & Communications Manager: Ed Smith Press & Media Manager: Stuart Hammonds Head of Retail Operations: Siobhan Kos-Hodge Ticket Office Manager: Mike Hooker Catering & Hospitality Manager: Cristhiano Andrade Da Silva Head of Human Resources: Jemma Osborne Supporter Liaison Officer: John Miller Junior Supporter Liaison Officer: James Whitehead Club Doctor: Dr Paul Deeley Club Chiropractor: David Leu Head of Community Trust: Kevin Thoburn

E M O C N O U YO TERS AT OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Made in Luton. Printed by Bartham Press.

Edited by Stuart Hammonds (stuart.hammonds@lutontown.co.uk).

Design by Ed Smith Photography by Gareth Owen.

Thanks to contributors: Roger Wash, Ed Smith, Bradley Dixon, Dan Briard, Simon Pitts, Andy Awford, Kevin Thoburn, Mike Simmonds, Ryan Payne and Dylan Bhundia.

Additional pictures: Rex Features, Prime Media Images, Matt Mansfield and Liam Smith.

The views in this programme are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the editor and/or Luton Town.

WELCOME BACK!

We're delighted to have 2,000 more of our supporters back with us this afternoon. For all information on returning to football at Kenilworth Road and the new safety measures in place, visit the dedicated section on our website: www.lutontown.co.uk/covid

23 | TOM LOCKYER

25 | DAN POTTS

5

NATHAN JONES

6

DAVID WILKINSON

13

THE PRESS BOX

15

WELCOME LILYWHITES

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CANARIES GROUNDED

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@lutontown

The boss on fans' impact ahead of his 200th match in charge Today’s boardroom notes come from the Hatters' chairman

Written by BBC Three Counties Radio commentator Simon Oxley All you need to know about the boys from Deepdale

A look back at last week's win over table-toppers Norwich

FIXTURES & RESULTS 2020-21

All the stats you need from the Town's matches so far and ahead

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THE MANAGER

NATHAN JONES It gives me huge pleasure to say welcome back to Kenilworth Road, not only to Alex Neil and his Preston team who were the visitors for our first game after restart in June, but thankfully to 2,000 more of our wonderful supporters.

The noise generated sounded as if there were many more than a thousand in here, so hopefully it’ll be even louder today.

Please give it everything you’ve got to make up for those who can’t be here.

E M O C N O U YO TERS AT You have waited so patiently over the past nine months to come back to what I know you all regard as your second home. We have appreciated the support you have given us from your actual home as you have abided by the rules responsibly, and we know you will do so again inside the stadium today.

I must say thank you to those who came to the Norwich game for the ovation you gave myself, the staff and the team both before and after the game. I was humbled by it, and it emphasised to me just what we have been missing in recent months.

It was noticeable that even a clap for winning a throw-in, a cheer for making a block or encouragement for a player sprinting to press can give the lads a massive lift, after so many games played in silence.

We played some great football in that win over Norwich, who were unbeaten in ten matches and top of the table. A lot was made about them being without several players through injury, but we were also missing half-a-dozen of our squad yet proved that we are establishing ourselves as a good Championship side.

We looked exactly that at Swansea on Saturday, despite the 2-0 defeat. Even with ten men, we took the game to another recent Premier League side, and I was proud of the performance.

It was important we brought something back from Coventry on Tuesday night after two successive away losses, and we did exactly that with a solid clean sheet – our fourth away from home this season.

I must give a special mention to Sonny, who came straight back in after his father passed away. We never had any doubts about putting our captain back in, and he delivered a performance his dad, who travelled to all of his games, would have been proud of. Our condolences go to all of Sonny’s family at such a difficult time and he knows we are here for him.

Finally, I’m told this is my 200th game as Luton Town manager.

I can tell you that it is, and always has been, an honour to manage this football club. I love my work here, I’m so happy to be back and it’s even better for me now you are able to come back, too. Thank you as always for your unbelievable support.

Enjoy the game and COYH!

OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 5

THE BOARDROOM

DAVID WILKINSON Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the 2000, who are allowed in today along with the players and officials from Preston North End.

officer) with Chris Clark and Nasreen Afzal for all of the safety administration; Paul Watson, Mike Hooker, Ed Smith, Chris Bell, Jemma Osborne, Peter Kemp, Stuart Hammonds and other helpful staff who made the matchday experience as close as possible to normality. I apologise to anyone I’ve left off this list, but you will all know it’s just my forgetfulness.

Last season we managed a single point from the two games; so we are obviously hoping for more this time particularly as this is Nathan’s 200th game in charge.

Many congratulations to him and here’s to many more.

You will not believe the hours that have been put in, the mass of paperwork required and barriers surmounted to achieve it.

We should all be proud that we have such an effective, diligent and flexible group working on our behalf whom I know Gary and we are immensely proud. May I also thank those authorities who have supported us in this process, mainly our Council’s Safety Advisory Group.

Our records so far this season are similar with our opponents having lost and won more than us, whereas our recent run of numerous draws have given us the same number of points; so, we look forward to an interesting challenge.

These notes are entitled “From the Boardroom” and on behalf of the whole Board I must congratulate Gary’s operational team on the work they have put in to enable some fans back into the ground. It’s a lengthy list but these good people fully deserve their accolade, so I’d like to name them in person if you’d allow me to. None more so than Andrew Bracken (our new safety

At the same time Gary, along Mike Moran and their development company team have been carrying out presentations of our amended proposals to interested parties in the Town, whilst also working up details for the Stadium and connected developments. The new plans are very impressive as you’ll all discover in due course.

Since my last notes we have had some erratic results, which somehow seems to mirror the league. A poor performance against Cardiff and a deserved defeat followed by a great win against Norwich followed by a poor result, but good performance at Swansea and a very dull and forgettable draw at Coventry. This sets me up nicely for the theme of my notes this time; ‘inconsistency’.

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Our inconsistency of results and performances on the pitch will have something to do with lack of crowds, the limit on squad sizes and a game every 3-4 days. There is little doubt that home advantage is diminished significantly when no fans are present and results this season back it up.

Another inconsistency is with officiating.

The way matches are handled, the way the rules are interpreted, the way the game is encouraged to flow, the treatment of time wasting and feigning injury, the interpretation of handling, the ignoring of obstruction, the abuse of officials and so many more things you can all think about need to be treated in a consistent manner, which may need rule changes to make it easier for referees to do, what is a difficult job, better.

These will probably be my last programme notes in 2020, a year that was due to have great significance for us. We could never have foreseen the events that have befallen us since leap year day in February. Loved ones have been lost through Covid and otherwise and lives have been disrupted.

When Gary named us 2020 it was our dream to be in the Championship, ideally in a new stadium by 2020, not beset by every setback one could imagine from a 30 point deduction to a worldwide pandemic with football played behind closed doors.

Today is Rainbow Laces day, which respects diversity and in that connection it’s worth noting that whatever we do as a club is ‘a-political’. There has been a lot of talk about the Black Lives Matter campaign and we would like to stress that discrimination of any kind is totally unacceptable to us. As Sonny explains in his notes on page 9, the players will lead a different pre-match gesture today which shows that here at Kenilworth Road, we all stand together against all forms of inequality and discrimination. I will join them and hope you will too, but please only link arms with those in your bubble.

E M O C N O U YO TERS AT That said, I’d still prefer the inconsistency of a human than the even less forgivable inconsistency of VAR. We have all had to suffer from the Covid restrictions and are all aware of how mixed the messages have been over the past nine months. There are too many examples to mention and anyway you’re probably sick of hearing about it, but the inconsistency of advice has been highly frustrating so thank goodness the business has had the flexibility and foresightedness to get through the maze of indecision.

Finally, having thanked our Staff for their sterling efforts in this impossible year, there is another group of individuals that deserve praise for their unfailing attendance, impeccable behaviour of never showing bias against visitors, and although their social distancing is questionable, they were a credit to the Club. Most of all they made us smile, which was sometimes difficult with no certainty as to if or when we would return to Kenilworth Road. Thank you to all you Cardboard Cutouts.

When the time comes that this awful virus is forgotten, we will remember you.

Of course, there has been inconsistency of advice in regard to Brexit and that causes uncertainty and makes it virtually impossible to plan ahead. This obviously affects us when it comes to developments, which will help fund the stadium. How will everything look two or three years into the future? I don’t envy the task of our forecasters and planners on this challenge.

David

A Merry Christmas to you all. Enjoy the game.

COME ON You Hatters!

OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 7

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CAPTAIN

SONNY BRADLEY “We’re flying high at the minute, confidence is sky-high” Words: Dan Briar

Welcome back to Kenilworth Road. It’s great for me personally to be able to say that, having missed the Norwich match myself, and with 2,000 of you now able to come to the stadium in person.

When I came back in on Monday, the manager asked me how I was feeling and if I was ready to play, and I told him straight up that I was. He put me back in against Coventry and it was something I wanted to do.

E M O C N O U YO TERS AT Firstly, I wanted to say thank you to all the supporters and everyone at the football club who has supported me and my family at this tough time. Although I might not have acknowledged each message, I certainly have seen every one and I do really appreciate them. It has helped massively.

Not only have I lost a dad but the club have lost a supporter as well, because since I’ve been playing for Luton Town, my dad has been there home and away, 99 per cent of the time. My dad is my strength and he would want me to keep on playing and keep doing our family proud, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

Whilst I was back up in Hull, I kept training on my own. It was difficult, but I knew that I needed to stay fit because as soon as I could come back, I knew that numbers were low and I could be needed.

I’d watched the Norwich game and spoke to a few of the boys.

They were delighted that the fans were back and told me how much of a difference it made. I watched the game myself, and I could see that extra bit of energy injected into the squad.

For me, that could only be from the fans, so today with 2,000 of you here, hopefully there will be even more noise and energy from the fans, and we can project that into the way we play. If we are all together, it can only be positive for the result against a Preston side we know will be tough opposition.

Finally, before kick-off we will do something different to what we have been doing since restart as part of the Black Lives Matter fight against racism. Instead of taking a knee, for those eight seconds we will stand around the centre circle facing outwards, linking arms to show that we all stand together, and that whoever you are, we’ve got your backs.

Not only is this our stand against racism, but it is a gesture that also recognises the Rainbow Laces campaign that today’s match is dedicated to, in support of LGBT equality and inclusion in sport.

As players we want to show that at Luton Town Football Club we are united against every form of discrimination and inequality in football, and society as a whole. Please show your support by standing together with us before enjoying what we hope is a cracking game. #allstandtogether #COYH

OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 9

EXCHANGE

To the NHS, Key Workers and our amazing Luton Charities

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RAINBOW LACES Luton Town are proud to help the EFL support Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign to make sport everyone's game.

The club has been a proud supporter of the LGBT community, and the fantastic work Stonewall does, for many years and members of our first team squad took part in an EFL video to promote the campaign.

Rainbow Laces has always campaigned to make sport everyone’s game, focussing on inspiring, educating and encouraging allyship to support LGBT inclusion in sport.

Today, the Hatters and Preston North End will be showing their support for the Rainbow Laces campaign. The campaign supports LGBT equality and today has been designated as the fixture in which we highlight our support for LGBT fans, players and staff across the game with both captains wearing rainbow-coloured armbands.

The events of 2020 have highlighted long-standing inequalities across society.

We’ve seen the disproportionate impacts of the pandemic on marginalised groups and the results of structural racism throughout society, including in LGBT communities and across sport.

The events of this year have also shown us how much community and allyship matter. We’ve seen the role that sport and fitness play in bringing us together, and so many LGBT people and allies have been doing amazing work to make sport everyone’s game.

We will also be using rainbow-coloured substitution boards and corner flags, and this week has also seen the club change its online crest to a bespoke rainbow-coloured version for the campaign, with Our Town and our social media assets for today also reflecting the colours of the campaign.

This year has been like no other and it’s now more important than ever that we raise awareness and support the LGBT community. Together or apart, online or on the pitch, we need to build on our work to make sport everyone’s game.

You can play your part by clicking the link below to support the campaign. www.stonewall.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/rainbow-laces

OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 11

REPORT IT.

KICK IT OUT OF FOOTBALL.

C O

THE PRESS BOX

BBC Three Counties Radio commentator SIMON OXLEY on the fans' return Judging by the response, my tweet last Wednesday “two world wars, and a global pandemic, and the old girl is ready to welcome once again” seemed to have struck a chord.

One person suggested adding the name of a brief custodian who proposed an F1 track around a new stadium.

sight and smell of the burger van at the top of the Beech path, and the enticing smell for me from the spectator who sits in front of the pressbox who always arrives with fish and chips.

E M O C N O U YO TERS AT But last Wednesday was certainly a start and the players certainly responded. What a great performance! It’s a shame that Norwich manager Daniel Farke couldn’t see the bigger picture of getting fans back into grounds, but he appeared to have changed his mind by the end of their win over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. “I celebrated with our supporters because they also played their part,” reflected the Canaries boss. Funny that!

But I think the original sentiment captured the mood, because despite all the frustration of not attending since February, there was Kenilworth Road just as you left it, just with a bit more tape, and a few more stickers.

For us old hands of the health questionnaire and the thermometer in the ear, the pre-entry ritual has become part of the matchday experience. Dealing with an extra thousand ‘patients’ seems to have been successfully achieved as we welcome two thousand today. And judging by the noise generated against Norwich we should be in a for a lively afternoon today.

Let’s hope the two thousand fans are rewarded with similar this afternoon, but I’ve given up on predictions. Preston are a case in point. I saw them well beaten at Watford; they responded with a win at Bournemouth; and then struggled to draw with Wycombe.

The schedule continues apace and will make the Christmas and New Year matches seem normal. I know many of you will be missing the away days just as much as the trips here. But We are still missing plenty of course, and desperate though you are for games, Cardiff and Swansea on not just eight thousand more spectators. successive Saturdays, with Middlesbrough this Wednesday, would have tested even the most enthusiastic traveller.

There’s your usual seat, the re-assuring

OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 13

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RE E H CH T T OA E G C BY

.co.uk

FACT FILE NICKNAME: The Lilywhites STADIUM: Deepdale Stadium CAPACITY: 23,404 LEAGUE POSITION 19-20: 9th in the Championship MANAGER: Alex Neil MILES FROM LUTON: 192 miles LAST MEETING: Kenilworth Road, 20/06/20, 1-1, Championship RECORD APPEARANCE HOLDER: Alan Kelly Sr, 511 from 1958-73 FAMOUS FANS: Andrew Flintoff, Wade Bennett, Steve Borthwick

PRESTON NORTH END

ON THE GOALKEEPER

DECLAN RUDD Goalkeeper Declan Rudd came through the youth set-up at Norwich, making his way through the club’s development sides and into the first team.

He made his professional debut off the bench against Gillingham in September 2009, making his full debut a few days later. Rudd would go onto make 34 appearances for the Canaries in all competitions.

THE MANAGER

ALEX NEIL

Scotsman Alex Neil, as a player, started his professional career with Airdrieonians, before having spells in England with Barnsley and Mansfield. He would spend the bulk of his career at Hamilton Academicals.

During his time with Hamilton, he also became player-manager on a permanent basis in May 2013. After impressing with the Accies, the 39-year-old left for Norwich.

Neil led the Canaries to promotion into the Premier League in the 2014/15 season, but saw his side relegated after a season.

In March 2017, he was sacked by Norwich but made a swift return to management in June of the same year, taking over at Preston.

During his time at Carrow Road, the 29-year-old also spent time away on loan. He had two separate spells at Preston, as well as a season at Charlton, before joining the Lilywhites on a permanent basis in June 2017.

DEFENDER

JOE RAFFERTY

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Coming through the youth system at Liverpool, Joe Rafferty was made captain of the Under-18s, and was a regular in the club’s development sides.

After chances at Liverpool were hard to come by, the 27-yearold left for Rochdale in 2012. He would spend six-and-a-half years at Spotland, making over 250 league appearances, and was named as Supporters’ Player of the Season in 2016/17.

In January 2019, Rafferty swapped Rochdale for Preston, signing a three-and-half-year deal at Deepdale. Since his move, he has been regularly involved in the first team in the Championship.

RADAR MIDFIELD

RYAN LEDSON Joining Everton’s academy at the age of five, midfielder Ryan Ledson spent 14 years with the Toffees, making his only firstteam appearance in the Europa League against Krasnodar.

Ledson left the club for Cambridge on loan in November 2015, going onto make 27 appearances for the club. And after failing to nail down a first-team place with Everton, he left the club on a permanent basis to sign for Oxford.

The 23-year-old spent two seasons with Oxford, winning the Supporters' Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and Goal of the Season awards during the 2017/18 season. His impressive season led to interest from Preston, whom he joined in May 2018.

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STRIKER

TOM BARKHUIZEN

Born in Blackpool, Tom Barkuizen came through the Tangerines' youth system, going onto make 21 league appearances.

During his time at Bloomfield Road, the 27-year-old also had spells on loan at Hereford, Fleetwood and Morecambe.

Barkhuizen would later join Morecambe on a permanent deal in 2015, being a regular in League Two. After a cash-flow problem with the Shrimps in November 2016, Barkhuizen’s contract at the club was cancelled by mutual consent.

The striker signed an agreement with Preston shortly after, and officially joined the club in January 2017. Since his move, he has made over 150 league appearances for the club.

KEEP AN EYE ON...

SCOTT

SINCLAIR Coming through at Bristol Rovers, Scott Sinclair made his firstteam debut at 15. He was then signed by Chelsea, making five first-team appearances with the Blues across a five-year spell.

After a number of loans away from Stamford Bridge, he left for Swansea permanently.

His spell with the Swans was a successful one, as they gained promotion to the Premier League. Sinclair left for Manchester City, but couldn’t obtain regular football and joined Aston Villa.

After a loan and then permanent season at Villa Park, the 31-year-old had a spell at Celtic, where he won three SPL titles, as well as multiple cups. He left Celtic in January 2020, joining Preston.

Words: Ryan Payne

OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 17

CLASSIC CLASH 13.12.1980 | LUTON TOWN 4 PRESTON NORTH END 2 DIVISION TWO (NOW CHAMPIONSHIP)

CLUB HISTORIAN ROGER WASH DELVES INTO HIS ARCHIVES...

After a sixth place finish in 1979-80 the new campaign became frustratingly stop-start with the Town down to 19th position in mid-October but then moving up the table again following a resurgence of form that no-one could quite put their finger on.

David Pleat’s open attacking mantra was now coming to the fore once more and the game against Preston was a typical Pleat performance. Although only leading 1-0 at the break, courtesy of a David Moss penalty, the second half saw five goals with three of them for the Town.

Lil Fuccillo, returning to the side after two years out following two broken legs, blasted home the Town’s third goal, following another effort from Moss, while the fourth was scored by want-away striker Godfrey Ingram.

Pictured is David Moss expertly putting the Hatters ahead from the spot.

OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 19

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By club historian Roger Wash The long awaited Hatters’ Heritage website has now launched – have a look on www.hattersheritage.co.uk In turn, we aim to run a series throughout the season showcasing artefacts and memorabilia in our collection reflecting the club’s rich history.

Featured today is a programme (the first season of issue) from the friendly played at Dallow Lane in 1894. Preston were then one of the top teams in the land and a good, for the day, crowd of 3000 saw the Strawplaiters give a good account of themselves, but going down 4-2. Digital readers can view the full programme by clicking here.

OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 21

TOM LOCKYER Hatters defender Tom Lockyer was left ‘scratching his head’ after Town’s 2-0 defeat to Swansea City in the Sky Bet Championship last weekend and admitted it was just one of those days where little went right for Nathan Jones’ side.

Despite going a goal behind in the second minute, the Hatters controlled large parts of the game, until Matty Pearson was shown a red card in the 70th minute and Swansea went onto secure the three points with Andre Ayew’s goal just before full-time.

It was a performance that merited a better result, Lockyer believed, as he spoke pitchside after the game.

“I’m not sure how we have lost two-nil, not sure how we haven’t won - I'm scratching my head a little bit if I’m honest," said Lockyer. "I thought we played some good stuff today, even with ten-men we were all over them.”

The game at the Liberty Stadium was the second in succession that the former Charlton Athletic defender has started and his ninth appearance for the Hatters since signing in the summer.

Reflecting on his career at Kenilworth Road so far, the 26-yearold admitted: “I think personally, it has been the toughest period of my career since I joined. It’s the first time I’ve really not being playing any football, I haven’t been playing every game. I didn’t really know how to cope with it before, so it has been really tough for me.”

Lockyer was also keen to add that it only motivates him to do more to keep his place in the team, elaborating: “I have spoke to my old managers and they said to be patient, train hard, ask the right questions, do the right things. That is my character anyway, I’m not going to throw the towel in and sulk because I’m not playing.

“I’m going to work harder in training, I’m going to stay behind after and do the extras so when my chance does come, I will try and take it with both hands, but it has been tough. It is one of those things, that is football for you.”

Ahead of today’s fixture in front of 2,000 home supporters, Lockyer revealed he relished the opportunity to play in the victory against Norwich and added he found himself getting emotional beforehand!

“It was really strange actually," he said. "I knew fans were going to be in there and obviously first time in front of Luton fans but when I came out, I got really emotional and thought I was going to cry! I was thinking ‘what is going on here, it hasn’t been that long has it!’

“It just reiterates how much fans are needed back in stadiums, it was unbelievable and only 1,000 there but you could hear the noise they produced. With a full house it will be electric and something that every player will want to play in front of, so long may it continue!”

Words: Dan Briard

OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 23

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DAN POTTS Hatters defender Dan Potts paid tribute to team-mate and captain Sonny Bradley for how he conducted himself during the goalless draw against Coventry City on Tuesday night.

The skipper returned to action just days after the tragic passing of his father Ray and led his team by example to keep a fifth league clean sheet of the season at St Andrew's.

"I wanted to make a mention for Sonny," said Potts. "What he's gone through the last week, he was no different tonight. He led by example, the same Sonny that I've played with for years.

"So that performance there that we all put in was definitely for him as well.

Credit to him too for the performance he put in. I'm sure his family will be proud of him for that, so yes, that was definitely for Sonny."

On his own fitness, he added: "I’ve spent quite a lot of time on the sidelines and it's been frustrating, to say the least. I've had a few set-backs,, but I was back into training last week and I think Rhys has been different class, but he's picked up a knock and the manager's said 'Are you ready?'. He's thrown me straight in for two games in four days.

"Credit to the medical team and the fitness department.

They've kept on top of everything and two 90 minutes in four days, I feel absolutely fine."

In a game of few chances, the defender was happy to keep a fourth away clean-sheet of the season against a Coventry City side now unbeaten in five matches.

"We're happy with that, a nil-nil point is better than a 1-1 or 2-2. I think off the back of the defeat at the weekend, we came here, and the priority was a clean sheet. We knew we'd get chances, but 0-0 was the minimum tonight.

“I think it is a bit of a cliché that as a defender that you like clean sheets but if we come here and get the three points, you’re happy. From a personal point of view, a clean-sheet is always good, but we would have liked the three points for sure.”

Looking ahead to today’s match against Preston North End, Potts is relishing the opportunity to be back playing in front of the home crowd at Kenilworth Road, adding: “It was refreshing Potts played 90 minutes for the second match in succession alongside Bradley in against Norwich. It was only 1,000 there but we will have 2,000 defence after being absent through injury this time which I think will make a difference. since mid-July.

“It will feel more like a home game and the onus will be on us to really put the pressure on Preston and we will be looking to The left-back has been frustrated with pick up three points.” the set-backs he has faced during the course of this season, but is now fit and ready for a tough winter schedule ahead.

Words: Dan Briard

OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 25

A 1970s photo of Luton supporters behind the Oak Road goal playing up for the camera.

Hopefully there are some older statesmen looking at this picture today and shaking their heads in embarrassment!

Roger Wash

THE CAMERA NEVER LIES OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 27

RCP Parking Ltd

Power Court Luton LU1 3JJ Proud supporters of

Luton Town Football Club

C O

KIT SPONSORS 20/21

To find out more information about kit sponsorships, contact our commercial team on 01582 411622 JAMES SHEA 01

H: Available A: Available G: Martin Devereau - Manx Hatter

SONNY BRADLEY 05

H: Available A: Bobbers Travel Club T: Available

DANNY HYLTON

MARTIN CRANIE 02

H: Available A: Available T: Available

MATTY PEARSON 06

H: ABS Thermal Insulations A: Available T: Available

ELLIOT LEE

DAN POTTS 03

HARRY CORNICK 07

RYAN TUNNICLIFFE

H: Doug Knight, Kelly 04 Knight, Mad Hatter, Maddie Knight A: Available T: Available

H: The Banks Family A: Kelly Knight T: Scandinavian Hatters

ANDREW SHINNIE

H: Available A: Available T: Available

LUKE BERRY 08

H: WHOSH A: Available T: Available

SIMON SLUGA

E M O C N O U YO TERS T A 09

H: The Banks Family A: Available T: Available

GEORGE MONCUR

14

H: Tradeline Recruitment Ltd A: Available T: Available

JORDAN CLARK

18

H: Chris & Alex Browne A: Tommy Lennon T: Available

BRENDAN GALLOWAY

23

H: Available A: Available T: Available

SAM NOMBE

27

H: Available A: Available T: Available

SAM BECKWITH

33

H: David Boswell A: Frank & Diane Woodward T: Available

NATHAN JONES

H: Thompsons Chartered Accountants Bedford A: Country Properties

10

H: Julian & Anne Hyde A: Available T: Available

TOM LOCKYER

15

H: Ian, Linda & Joe A: Marston Vale Properties T: Available

JAMES COLLINS

19

H: Tim Fordham A: Available T: Available

RHYS NORRINGTON-DAVIES

24

H: WHOSH A: Available T: Available

JOE MORRELL

28

H: J Block & Luton Awaydays A: Available T: Available

JAKE PECK

34

H: Available A: Available T: Available

MICK HARFORD

H: Carnoisseur Leasing A: Carnoisseur Leasing

11

H: Peter & Linda Little A: Tommy Lennon T: Available

12

H: Kelchner Brewery A: LTFC Fool T: NLAF

17

GLEN REA

16

PELLY-RUDDOCK MPANZU

HARRY ISTED

21

H: Craig Steeples A: Available T: Available G: Available

KAZENGA LUALUA

25

H: Holly Valentine A: WHOSH T: Available

TIERNAN PARKER

31

H: Available A: Bobbers Travel Club T: Available

COREY PANTER

35

H: NLAF A: Curly, Matt & Jeffrey Guide Dog G: Joe Mentiply & John Wheeler

H: Available A: Available T: Available

PAUL HART

H: Doug Knight A: Available

H: Dean Kemp A: WHOSH T: SAM Beast Consulting Ltd

KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL

22

H: Available A: Available T: Available

JAMES BREE

26

H: DLA Driving School A: SAM Beast Consulting Ltd T: Available

AVAN JONES

32

H: Available A: Available T: Available

JOSH NEUFVILLE

37

H: Jackie Neufville A: Lynn, Ben & Rhiannon T: Available

SIMON PARSELL

H: Bobbers Travel Club A: Available

KIT SPONSORS 20/21

To find out more information about kit sponsorships, contact our commercial team on 01582 411622

YOUTH TEAM JOSH ALLEN

KEY: H: HOME |A: AWAY

EDDIE CORBIT

H: Available A: Available

JOSEPH HALSEY

JACOB COWLER

H: Available A: Available

JAMESON HORLICK

H: Available A: Available

MATTHEW MOLONEY

BEN STEVENS

ED MCJANNET

H: Les Miller - Miller & Company A: Available

TYRELLE NEWTON

CALLUM NICOLSON

H: Available A: Available

H: Gill, Julie, Neil & Yvonne A: Available

CASEY PETTIT

H: Available A: Available

JOSHUA SWAN

H: Available A: Available

H: Available A: Available

TRA LUCAS

H: Available A: Available G: SGW Goalkeeping

H: Blakeney Estates A: Available

AIDAN FRANCIS

H: Available A: Available

H: Gill, Julie, Neil & Yvonne A: TV Sport Blogs

ADAM WEDD

H: Available A: Available

COREE WILSON

H: JB Associates A: The Wedds

H: Liz Evans A: Available

EXECUTIVE BOX HOLDERS 2: Subash Karawadrad 3: UKLand.com

4: Diverse Contractors

5: Gibbs and Dandy Ltd

9: Pictons Solicitors 10: Crannall & 11: Crossco Luton Ltd Thermal Economics

16: Prestige Design

6: GP Quoreenton Ltd 7: Shelley Sandzer & Tiro Partners

8: Melvyn Westwood

GP QUOREENTON LTD

SUBASH KARAWADRA

17: Hardall International Ltd

12: JB Developments

18: CME Heating Ltd

13: Bartham Group

19: Markyate Precision Machining Co Ltd

14: TJ Aldridge Builders

20: Indigo Residential

15: Taylor French Developments Ltd

21: Simon Litchfield & Jensan Ltd

SIMON LITCHFIELD 22: Dot Group International

23: M&S Water Services

24: Riley Accounting Solutions 25: Edmundson Electrical

26: Editquest Electrical

27: SKF UK Ltd

C O

ACADEMY UPDATE

A insight into the academy and our bright young prospects with ANDY AWFORD

U18s

West Ham ran out 4-2 winners on penalties and although we had practiced prior, it wasn’t to be with their GK making two fine saves.

E M O C N O U YO TERS AT The U18s went out of the FA Youth Cup last week, losing to West Ham United on penalties following an exciting 3-3 draw.

A poor start to the game cost us on the evening - finding ourselves 2-0 down after 20 minutes was obviously not in the plan. However, the players showed tremendous character in hauling themselves back to 2-2 by half-time.

Tyrelle Newton struck first and a fantastic long range effort from Ben Stevens got us back level, and with Coree Wilson also hitting the bar, we had shown we were more than a match for our Premier League/Category 1 opponents.

In all fairness to West Ham, they were the better side in the second half and it took some good saves from Jameson Horlick to deny them, whilst we remained a threat on the counter attack.

Extra-time saw West Ham retake the lead, however, Ben Stevens levelled and it was game on again with 15 minutes left. The boys rallied and were unfortunate not to ‘nick it’ in the dying seconds, a fine stop by their GK denied Tra Lucas from close range.

Overall, we were all proud of the players for showing tremendous character, spirit and grit and as ever the players will have learnt a great deal from the whole experience.

We now go back to the league programme with games versus Gillingham (today) and Southend Utd (next Saturday) before a short Christmas break.

U21s

Thank you to our local friends Hitchin Town for hosting our latest U21 game on Wednesday evening versus Crystal Palace. With spectators allowed in it was great to see so many fans turn out to support the boys - thank you for your support as always.

We lost the game 2-1, however, overall it was an even affair that we felt could have gone either way. TQ Addy put us in front with a fine finish and we had other opportunities to increase the lead before Palace pegged us back to 1-1 just before half-time, with their second goal coming on the hour.

Some good individual performances by our young players, who will face another stern test on Tuesday as we travel to Bournemouth for our next fixture.

Enjoy today’s game - it really is fantastic to have you back in.

COYH! Andy

OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 31

by t Luton rain to L from ond ÂŁ11 on Net you .10 * rsel fa savi ng

ADVERT

Book direct and avoid paying a booking fee at thameslinkrailway.com Proudly supporting Luton Town Football Club *Fare stated is based on our Weekend Super Off Peak Day Return ticket from Luton to London Thameslink

C O

LUTON TOWN COMMUNITY TRUST

Tackling Loneliness Together: Over 3,000 library books delivered by Hatters Trust staff What a milestone to have reached with over 3,000 library books delivered in the last three months since we began our ‘tackling loneliness together’ project in October.

resident Beryl who loves her books and also catching up on the Hatters – she’s been a fan all her life and our weekly visit allows us to let residents like Beryl know a little bit about the project and signpost them to any other services or activities they may benefit from, such as our Community Trust walking group and gardening workshops.

E M O C N O U YO TERS AT This is brand-new project funded by the EFL Trust and the department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) with the aim of bringing people together and helping individuals feel more connected. Loneliness is a major issue in the UK with a recent study showing that 7.4 million UK residents had felt their well-being had been affected through their having felt lonely in the most recent lockdown.

The Trust's Adam Woulds said: “We never imagined how many books we would end up delivering or how many residents we would be meeting – it just seems to be growing week on week.

We’ve lots of other activities and we’d also welcome anyone to join our walking groups taking place at Stockwood Park every Thursday and Wardown Park every Friday, both at 10am.”

Adam can be contacted at the Community Trust office on 01582 561622 .

As part of the ‘tackling loneliness together’ project we’ve recently taken over the book delivery and collection service on behalf of the Luton Central Library.

This involves collecting 8 boxes of library books from the library and delivering them to the addresses provided.

The majority of the people we visit are elderly, living alone and possibly have a disability or health condition which makes getting out very difficult. Our staff also like to have a little chat with them, as they are possibly the only people they are seeing and talking with all day just like 98 years old Farley Hill

OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 33

C O

Follow @LTLFC_Official on Twitter for all the latest updates!

LUTON TOWN

LADIES

Words: Thomas Wheatley

E M O C N O U YO TERS AT LUTON TOWN LADIES 5 WROXHAM 0

The Hatters put in a five-goal and five-star display against Wroxham last Sunday to earn themselves a home draw against Cambridge City Ladies in the second round qualifying of the Vitality Women's FA Cup. The game started evenly, Wroxham shading possession in the opening ten, but Town had their first clear cut opportunity a couple of minutes later, Leyah Maddix breaking from right-back and leaving it for Jess McKay, whose cross was put behind on the volley by Dionne Manning.

assist to go with her goal. Malika Gille played a great ball in, which Henman did well to keep in before pulling it back from the byline for Heather McDonnell to smash home.

Wroxham had their first opportunity on the half-hour mark, but it could have been three moments later, Henman (involved again) had a one-on-one saved before Manning’s chipped effort fell just the wrong side of the post.

In the minutes before half time, Henman won a penalty after her cross hit a Wroxham arm, which was subsequently saved, the keeper guessing the right way to keep out Manning’s effort.

Then seconds later McKay hit the post with a long-range effort.

It took until the 65th minute for the Town to score a third, McKay chipping the ball over the top once more for Manning to smash home first time.

McKay had a long-range effort whistle Twenty minutes later it was four, Manning grabbing an assist past the woodwork less than a minute this time with a perfectly weighted throughball for substitute Adi later as the Hatters began to control proMilton, and she slid it superbly under the keeper. ceedings before the scoring was opened on 17 minutes by Nicola Henman.

It looked as though the Town were content with four until the 92nd minute, Henman popping up from Kim Newn’s free-kick to McKay played the ball over the defence fire in her second and the Hatters’ fifth. and Henman ran onto it to head it over the keeper. From then, it was all Luton.

An outstanding team performance coupled with incredible A few good chances followed for the individual performances saw the Town into the next round.

Town, before Henman bagged herself an

OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V NOTTINGHAM FOREST | 28.10.20 | PAGE 35

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PRESTON NORTH END TINYSTATS Formed: 1880 Stadium: Deepdale Stadium Capacity: 22,902 Last season: 9th (Ch) Head to head with Luton: Luton wins - 11 Draws - 10 Preston wins - 25 Manager: Alex Neil

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LUTON TOWN

NORWICH CITY MCGOVERN

SHEA 46'

CRANIE

AARONS

LOCKYER

HANLEY

PEARSON

LUTON 3 NORWICH 1 WEDNESDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2020 | KENILWORTH ROAD

GIBSON

22'

NORRINGTON-DAVIES

LUNGI SORENSEN

REA

TETTEY

BERRY

SKIPP

DEWSBURY-HALL

90+4'

CLARK

72'

BUENDIA 19'(PEN) STIEPERMANN

15' 70'

MONCUR

COLLINS 47'

MARTIN

85'

PLACHETA

SUBSTITUTES POTTS

90+4'

ZIMMERMANN

LUTON SCORERS: MONCUR 15', PEARSON 22', COLLINS 47' (PEN)

TUNNICLIFFE

VRANCIC

NORWICH SCORER: BUENDIA 19' (PEN)

CORNICK

MCALEAR

ATTENDANCE: 1,000

ISTED

OMOBAMIDELE

GALLOWAY

BARDEN

TO READ THE FULL MATCH REPORT, VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.lutontown.co.uk

LUALUA BREE

OMOTOYE 46'

85'

DICKSON-PETERS

NOMBE MORRELL

72'

70'

81'

81'

Manager Nathan Jones described his side's win over top-of-the-table Norwich as the ‘best performance’ he has had as Luton manager.

George Moncur opened the scoring in front of 1,000 Town fans with a fantastic strike, before Norwich hit back almost immediately from the penalty spot. Matty Pearson put the Hatters ahead once more and James Collins added a third from 12 yards in the second period.

"It was brilliant to see fans here tonight and they did help," he said. "There were times when they had a little bit of possession, they got behind the team and it did prove a massive help but I thought we were excellent from start to finish, I really did.

“I felt we thoroughly deserved it. They had a lot of possession.

We knew that because they are the best side in the league, they are top of the league, but we knew we had to be

disciplined, press at the right time and I thought we did all of those. We were aggressive, I thought we were a threat as well and we might have got a few more as well.

“That is as good a performance as I’ve had as a Luton manager. Probably the worst one on Saturday and this is probably the best, because we’ve scored eights and sevens here, but this was against a Premier League team because they will probably go up."

LT

NC

POSSESSION:

32%

68%

SHOTS ON TARGET:

5

4

SHOTS OFF TARGET:

5

7

CORNERS:

4

9

FOULS:

9

12

OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 43

SWANSEA CITY

LUTON TOWN

WOODMAN

SHEA

NAUGHTON

BREE

CABANGO GUEHI

LOCKYER 83'

ROBERTS

PEARSON POTTS

2'

SWANSEA 2 LUTON 0

SUBSTITUTES

SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2020 | LIBERTY STADIUM

MANNING

CITY SCORERS: ROBERTS 2', AYEW 89'

FULTON

CORNICK

LOWE 71'

LEE 62'

ATTENDANCE: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

SMITH

REA

GRIMES

CLARK

BIDWELL

BERRY 71'

DHANDA AYEW

89'

90+2'

CULLEN 71'

BENDA

61'

ISTED 90+2'

LATIBEAUDIERE GARRICK PALMER

62'

COLLINS

ROUTLEDGE

www.lutontown.co.uk

MONCUR

TUNNICLIFFE

GYOKERES

TO READ THE FULL MATCH REPORT, VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

82'

DEWSBURY-HALL

GALLOWAY LUALUA

83'

NOMBE MORRELL

71'

PEREIRA

82'

61'

Manager Nathan Jones felt his team did enough proud of the performance when you lost 2-0 but that doesn’t to get a result against Swansea and was positive tell the story of what has happened today. after the 2-0 defeat at the Liberty Stadium.

The Swans struck in the second minute and once again late on, in between Matty Pearson earning a second yellow card midway through the second period.

“It purely flattered them, two-nil," said Jones. "One is really later after we were chasing the game when we had as many attackers as I could have possibly brought on the pitch.

“But I thought apart from the first minute and a half, we were outstanding. Deflected shot, that can happen sometimes, but we’ve had the better chances, more possession, we pressed, I thought we were excellent, I really, really do.

“We’ve been punished, outside of the box with two shots but everything else, we were excellent, we really, really were. That is the frustrating thing, because we deserved more from the game today, but you’ve got to take your chances. If you have an opportunity four yards out, you have to put it in."

SC

LT

POSSESSION:

45%

55%

SHOTS ON TARGET:

5

2

SHOTS OFF TARGET:

6

5

CORNERS:

2

3

FOULS:

12

14

“I’m proud of the performance, it’s difficult to say you are OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 45

COVENTRY 0 LUTON 0 TUESDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2020 | ST ANDREW'S STADIUM ATTENDANCE: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

COVENTRY CITY

LUTON TOWN

WILSON

SHEA

OSTIGARD

CLARK

MCFADZEAN

LOCKYER

HYAM

REA

DABO

BRADLEY

KELLY

POTTS

HAMER

MORRELL

MCCALLUM

BERRY

O'HARE

78'

MPANZU

WALKER

89'

CORNICK

BIAMOU

www.lutontown.co.uk

85'

COLLINS

SUBSTITUTES ALLEN

TUNNICLIFFE

JOBELLO

LEE

SHEAF

MONCUR

PASK

ISTED

GILES

TO READ THE FULL MATCH REPORT, VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

71'

BAKAYOKO

DEWSBURY-HALL 89'

CAMP SHIPLEY DA COSTA

GALLOWAY LUALUA

78'

NOMBE BECKWITH

85'

71'

Hatters assistant-manager Mick Harford was pleased with a fifth league clean sheet of the season but admits the team must improve in the final third after the 0-0 draw with Coventry City. “A point gained - another one to the tally," said Harford. "We kept a clean sheet, which is a massive bonus and I thought overall we defended magnificently. I think throughout as a team, we defended very well. “The game started really scrappy, free-kicks here, there and everywhere. I thought we grew into the first half and controlled the game towards the end of the first half. The second half more or less mirrored the first. We created the better chances, but to come away from home and keep a clean sheet, we are delighted. We just need to improve in the final third, in terms of creating chances and getting in better positions."

Harford also paid tribute to captain Sonny Bradley, who returned to action just days after suffering the loss of his father, Ray, at the age of 57.

"It's been a tough week for Sonny and he was absolutely magnificent tonight, with what he's had to deal with," said Harford.

"We all take our hat off to Sonny and we wish all of his family the best. We are sorry for his loss, but he put in a remarkable performance for what he's been through this week."

CC

LT

POSSESSION:

51%

49%

SHOTS ON TARGET:

1

1

SHOTS OFF TARGET:

6

5

CORNERS:

4

7

FOULS:

14

20

OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 47

KEY:

Starting XI

CRANIE

POTTS

TUNNICLIFFE

BRADLEY

PEARSON

CORNICK

BERRY

HYLTON

LEE

SHINNIE

6

7

8

9

10

11

OPP. SENT OFF

5

W 3-1 W 1-0 W 1-0 W 2-1 L 0-3 L 0-1

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-

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DATE TIME H/A OPPOSITION SEPTEMBER Sat 5 3.00pm H Norwich (Carabao Cup R1) Sat 12 3.00pm A Barnsley Tue 15 6.00pm A Reading (Carabao Cup R2) Sat 19 3.00pm H Derby County Tue 22 8.15pm A Man Utd (Carabao Cup R3) Sat 26 12.30pm A Watford OCTOBER Sat 3 3.00pm H Wycombe Wanderers Sat 17 3.00pm H Stoke City Tue 20 7.45pm A Millwall Sat 24 3.00pm A Sheffield Wednesday Wed 28 7.45pm H Nottingham Forest Sat 31 3.00pm H Brentford NOVEMBER Wed 4 7.45pm A Rotherham United Sat 7 3.00pm A Huddersfield Town Sat 21 3.00pm H Blackburn Rovers Tue 24 7.00pm H Birmingham City Sat 28 3.00pm A Cardiff City DECEMBER Wed 2 7.45pm H Norwich City Sat 5 3.00pm A Swansea City Tue 8 7.45pm A Coventry City Sat 12 3.00pm H Preston North End Wed 16 7.00pm A Middlesbrough Sat 19 3.00pm H AFC Bournemouth Sat 26 3.00pm A Reading Tue 29 3.00pm H Bristol City JANUARY Sat 2 3.00pm H QPR Sat 9 TBC H Reading (FAC R3) Sat 16 3.00pm A AFC Bournemouth Wed 20 7.45pm A Brentford Sat 23 3.00pm H Rotherham United Sat 30 3.00pm A Blackburn Rovers FEBRUARY Sat 6 3.00pm H Huddersfield Town Sat 13 3.00pm A Birmingham City Tue 16 7.45pm H Cardiff City Sat 20 3.00pm A Stoke City Tue 23 7.45pm H Millwall Sat 27 3.00pm H Sheffield Wednesday MARCH Tue 2 7.45pm A Nottingham Forest Sat 6 3.00pm A Norwich City Sat 13 3.00pm H Swansea City Tue 16 7.45pm H Coventry City Sat 20 3.00pm A Preston North End APRIL Fri 2 3.00pm A Derby County Mon 5 3.00pm H Barnsley Sat 10 3.00pm A Wycombe Wanderers Sat 17 3.00pm H Watford Wed 21 7.45pm H Reading Sat 24 3.00pm A Bristol City MAY Sat 1 3.00pm H Middlesbrough Sat 8 3.00pm A QPR

SHEA

FIXTURES 2020-21

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CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TOWN'S FIXTURES & RESULTS ONLINE

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b

c

d

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L# O# GOAL TIMES

72 62 72 46 76 58

85 81 85 83 76 71

91 93 83 78

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73 66 60 69 77 37

80 67 69 92 77 46

88 75 87 84 74

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59,89 46,55 45+4,79 74 22,64 20,29,76

46 60 59 61 41

64 73 59 70 41

89 - 77 - 76 77 95 - - 60 71 71

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70 21 69,72 23,37 4,9,59,82

46 70 94 61 62 82 71 85 -

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79,81,83,95 71 24 34,52,87 44,88,92 35

- 15,19, 22,47 - 2,89 -

RED BY:

MATCH SPONSO

GET WITH THE

PROGRAMME

N OUR TOW E 2020-21 EST PROGRAMM MATCHDAY V NOTTINGHAM FOR OFFICIAL TOWN PM | LUTON | KO: 7:45 ISSUE #5 28.10.20

ORDER YOUR PRINTED VERSION OF OUR MATCHDAY PROGRAMMES FOR JUST £5 - DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR - AT: WWW.HATTERSWORLD.CO.UK

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KEY:

: Out on loan |

: Left club | Team name colour: Carabao Cup Match | Team name colour: FA Cup Match

MIDDLESBROUGH | 16.12.20 | KO 7PM

UP NEXT FORMED: 1876

NICKNAME: BORO LAST SEASON: 17TH IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP FOLLOW THEM ON TWITTER: @BORO COLOURS: RED & WHITE SHIRTS, WHITE SHORTS GROUND: RIVERSIDE STADIUM MANAGER: NEIL WARNOCK

WHO?

The Boro have spent 11 of the last 12 seasons competing in the Championship, with one season in the Premier League in 2016/17 that ended in relegation under current Birmingham City Manager Aitor Karanka. Middlesbrough have one League Cup to their name, beating Bolton Wanderers 2-1 in the final in 2003, with their last piece of league silverware coming in 1995 as they secured promotion to the Premier League.

GROUND?

Middlesbrough opened the Riverside Stadium in 1995, moving from Ayresome Park. Boro's last game at their home since 1903 was a 2-1 win over the Hatters on the final day of the 1994/95 campaign, a victory which secured Bryan Robson's side the First Division title and with it, promotion to the Premier League two years after being relegated. Boro’s current home ground has a capacity of 34,000 with the potential to increase this to 42,000, whilst last season their average home attendance sat at 19,993, the lowest since 2013.

LUTON TOWN PLAYER STATISTICS 2020-21 SEASON LEAGUE APPS

CAREER CUP

G

APPS

TOTAL G

APPS

CARDS

TOTAL

G

APPS

G

Luke Berry

14

(1)

2

1

(0)

0

15

(1)

2

3

0

104

14

Sonny Bradley

15

(0)

0

3

(0)

0

18

(0)

0

2

0

108

3

James Bree

1

(6)

0

1

(0)

0

2

(6)

0

0

0

50

0

Jordan Clark

6

(5)

1

2

(1)

1

8

(6)

2

0

0

14

2

James Collins

12

(2)

3

1

(0)

3

13

(2)

6

2

0

154

65

Harry Cornick

11

(1)

0

1

(1)

0

12

(2)

0

1

0

140

22

Martin Cranie

13

(0)

0

1

(1)

0

14

(1)

0

4

0

40

2

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

9

(1)

0

0

(0)

0

9

(1)

0

0

0

10

0

Brendan Galloway

0

(0)

0

0

(0)

0

0

(0)

0

0

0

5

0

Danny Hylton

4

(3)

0

2

(0)

0

6

(3)

0

3

0

138

58

Peter Kioso

0

(0)

0

1

(1)

0

1

(1)

0

1

0

3

0

Elliot Lee

8

(4)

1

1

(2)

0

9

(6)

1

0

0

122

30

Tom Lockyer

6

(2)

0

2

(0)

0

8

(2)

0

0

0

10

0

Kazenga LuaLua

1

(10)

0

2

(1)

0

3

(11)

0

2

0

73

6

George Moncur

5

(5)

2

2

(0)

0

7

(5)

2

0

0

46

9

Joe Morrell

3

(4)

0

0

(0)

0

3

(4)

0

0

0

7

0

Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu

13

(2)

2

1

(0)

0

14

(2)

2

4

0

268

19

Sam Nombe

0

(2)

0

0

(0)

0

0

(2)

0

0

0

2

0

Rhys Norrington-Davies

13

(0)

0

3

(0)

0

16

(0)

0

2

0

16

0

Matty Pearson

16

(0)

2

1

(0)

0

17

(0)

2

1

1

112

10

Dan Potts

2

(1)

0

0

(0)

0

2

(1)

0

1

0

153

10

Glen Rea

15

(0)

1

1

(0)

0

16

(0)

1

5

0

168

6

James Shea

3

(0)

0

3

(0)

0

6

(0)

0

1

0

81

0

Andrew Shinnie

0

(0)

0

2

(0)

0

2

(0)

0

0

0

106

10

Simon Sluga

14

(0)

0

0

(0)

0

14

(0)

0

0

0

48

0

Ryan Tunnicliffe

3

(3)

0

2

(0)

0

5

(3)

0

0

0

48

1

2020-21 CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE #

Team

Pl

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Norwich City

17

10

4

3

23

16

7

34

2

Bournemouth

17

8

7

2

29

16

13

31

3

Watford

17

8

6

3

21

12

9

30

4

Swansea City

17

8

6

3

19

10

9

30

5

Reading

17

9

3

5

27

21

6

30

6

Bristol City

17

9

3

5

20

16

4

30

The two sides last met in February at the Riverside Stadium as Ryan Tunnicliffe’s 17th minute strike gave Luton a much-needed three points in their fight for survival. The two teams also met on the opening day of the 2019/20 season at Kenilworth Road, drawing 3-3 after James Collins’ late equaliser followed Sonny Bradley and Martin Cranie's first goals for the club.

7

Brentford

17

7

7

3

24

15

9

28

8

Stoke City

17

8

4

5

24

20

4

28

9

Cardiff City

17

7

5

5

23

14

9

26

10

Blackburn Rovers

17

7

4

6

31

20

11

25

11

Middlesbrough

17

6

6

5

16

14

2

24

12

Huddersfield Town

17

7

3

7

22

22

0

24

13

Preston North End

17

7

2

8

25

25

0

23

KNOWING ME, KNOWING YOU

14

Luton Town

17

6

5

6

14

20

-6

23

15

Birmingham City

17

5

7

5

14

15

-1

22

16

Barnsley

17

6

4

7

19

22

-3

22

17

Millwall

17

4

9

4

14

14

0

21

18

Queens Park Rangers

17

4

6

7

18

25

-7

18

19

Coventry City

17

4

6

7

18

26

-8

18

20

Rotherham United

17

3

4

10

15

25

-10

13

21

Nottingham Forest

17

3

4

10

10

21

-11

13

22

Derby County

17

2

6

9

8

22

-14

12

23

Wycombe Wanderers

17

2

5

10

10

25

-15

11

24

Sheffield Wednesday *

17

3

6

8

9

17

-8

9

HAVEN’T WE MET BEFORE?

Current Hatters defender Cranie made nine appearances for the Boro in 2018, before joining Sheffield United and then the Hatters in 2019. Former Luton manager Kevin Blackwell is currently Neil Warnock’s assistant at the Riverside Stadium, having worked with Boro’s manager at numerous clubs since 1993.

Words: Dylan Bhundia

OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V PRESTON NORTH END | 12.11.20 | PAGE 50

HELPING FAMILIES ENJOY FOOTBALL AT HOME The ‘homemade waste pipe goal’. Waste pipes, push-fit knuckle bends and some barrier fencing. It doesn’t seem like much, but sometimes it’s all you need to transform your garden into a proper footy pitch.

OFFICIAL TRADE & HARDWARE RETAIL PARTNER

NATHAN JONES

JAMES SHEA MARTIN CRANIE DAN POTTS RYAN TUNNICLIFFE SONNY BRADLEY MATTY PEARSON HARRY CORNICK LUKE BERRY DANNY HYLTON ELLIOT LEE SIMON SLUGA GEORGE MONCUR GLEN REA PELLY-RUDDOCK MPANZU JORDAN CLARK JAMES COLLINS HARRY ISTED KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL BRENDAN GALLOWAY RHYS NORRINGTON-DAVIES KAZENGA LUALUA JAMES BREE SAM NOMBE JOE MORRELL DION PEREIRA AVAN JONES SAM BECKWITH JAKE PECK COREY PANTER

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 12 14 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 32 33 34 35

ALEX NEIL

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 14 15 16 18 19 20 23 24 25 28 29 31 35 39 44

DECLAN RUDD DARNELL FISHER JOSH EARL BEN PEARSON PATRICK BAUER BEN DAVIES TOM BAYLISS ALAN BROWNE LOUIS MOULT JOSH HARROP DANIEL JOHNSON PAUL GALLAGHER JORDAN STOREY JOE RAFFERTY ANDREW HUGHES RYAN LEDSON EMIL RIIS JAKOBSEN JAYDEN STOCKLEY PAUL HUNTINGDON SEAN MAGUIRE CONNOR RIPLEY MATTHEW HUDSON TOM BARKHUIZEN SCOTT SINCLAIR DAVID NUGENT BILLY BODIN BRAD POTTS

MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE - JEREMY SIMPSON | ASSISTANT REFEREE 1 - LEE VENAMORE ASSISTANT REFEREE 2 - RICHARD WILD | FOURTH OFFICIAL - SUNNY GILL