Luton Town

Geoff Doyle
BBC 3CR sports editor

Has it been a season of progress, stagnation or indifference?

It is odd. For a side relegated out of the Premier League you would think this season would be viewed as a failure, but no. Despite heading back into the Championship the Hatters are in a far better position than 12 months ago. Millions more in the bank - which will help pay for the new stadium, a much better squad than when they won the play-off final and the ones they do sell in the summer are now worth a lot more money after proving themselves in the Premier League.

Luton will be one of the favourites to win the Championship next season as a result. What a statement! The club has been transformed after nearly going bust 16 years ago. Their pragmatic approach to life in the league has been a success.

Biggest success for club this season?

The fans' unwavering support. They watched their team lose 24 times but realised the difficulty of the level and how hard it would be to stay in the top tier. They stuck behind the team all the way through. The players played their part. They gave it everything and were in most games for long periods but they just came up short. The supporters recognised this and cheered them off the pitch in every game. Respect.

Biggest let down or frustration?

The points deductions fiasco. It has involved Luton all the way through and the lack of clarity over deductions/appeals/additions/interpretations/timelines has been ridiculous. It did not matter in the end but for the top league in the world to have all that going on across the season was embarrassing.

Key item on the summer agenda?

Keep hold of the manager. Rob Edwards has been a pivotal figure throughout a tumultuous campaign. He coped brilliantly with the Tom Lockyer situation for a young, relatively inexperienced manager and then tried to keep his side up against the odds.

I think he will stay as he has come to love the Luton 'experience' but players like Ross Barkley are surely off. The key then will be for Luton to get big money for them and invest wisely. The recruitment team at Kenilworth Road has been excellent in the past 10 years and they need another good summer to replace some top, top talents, including Barkley who has been a pleasure to watch, oozing out-and-out class.

McNulty’s pre-season prediction: 20th

Actual finish: 18th

Luton were everyone’s tip for relegation (including mine) but gave it a real crack and were right in the hunt to survive with three games to go.

In the end, they were just not quite good enough, often failing to hold on to winning positions or losing points they might have won.

Ross Barkley had a splendid season but may not fancy the Championship at this stage of his career, while a lengthy injury absence for excellent forward Elijah Adebayo was a real setback.

Read the rest of Phil McNulty's end-of-season Premier League report here

We asked you to select your Luton Town player of the season from the four candidates chosen by our fan contributor.

After voting in your thousands, we can reveal the winner is... Ross Barkley!

Image source, Getty Images

And here's what Ollie Kay from We Are Luton Town, external had to say about your winner...

"He has been widely discussed among the fanbase as "the best player to have worn the shirt". He might leave us, if we are to go down, but a lot of Hatters are happy to have watched a 33-capped England international play for our team. He is also grateful that we have breathed new life into his career, as he sits on five goals and six assists from midfield, as well as being statistically one of the most progressive midfielders in world football."

See the breakdown of results

And here is how the votes went for the other 19 Premier League clubs

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Luton's Premier League fairy tale might have been short lived but the Hatters fought until the final day of the season.

Ollie Kay, from We Are Luton Town, external, has given his verdict on the 2023-24 campaign.

Season rating: 6/10. We knew it was going to be a long, hard slog. We were written off before a ball had been kicked - however, we finished top of the relegation zone and if we had taken our chances, or held on in games, we could have been above the dotted line. Regardless, the riches of the Premier League have set us up for the next decade.

Happy with your manager? There have been bouts of tactical naivety at times and a lack of pragmatism when three points were all we needed, but Rob Edwards is still in the early stages of his managerial career. Overall, the fanbase is very happy with him, as is the club. We are all excited to see how the team is moulded into exactly what he wants over the summer.

Unsung hero: Carlton Morris. This may seem odd as he ended up as our top goal scorer and captain, but he played a key role in stepping up to fill Tom Lockyer's shoes as captain, which would have been tough on a personal level. On top of that, he played 90 minutes week in, week out as we coped with our decimated squad throughout late winter into spring.

Player you would most like to sign: A good right wing-back would be perfect. We had Issa Kabore on loan this season but injury meant he was never a guaranteed pick. For sentimental reasons, signing Cody Drameh would be fantastic after his efforts to help us to promotion while on loan. And a signing like Sammie Szmodics would be brilliant, especially with Premier League clubs circling over Elijah Adebayo.

Best away fans: Newcastle United. The Geordies did themselves proud and came to Kenilworth Road as the first opponents after Lockyer's collapse at Bournemouth. They sang for Tom, brought a banner and sang for their team - despite a 1-0 defeat - and are a thoroughly brilliant fanbase at home and away.

See how our other fan writers rated their club's season here

Aston Villa are closing in on a deal to re-sign Luton Town and former England midfielder Ross Barkley on a permanent basis, four years after the 30-year-old joined on loan from Chelsea. (Guardian), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from the final 10 games of the Premier League season.

If you missed Sunday's Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer here.

Also, listen back to the two BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries in full on BBC Sounds:

• Man City 3-1 West Ham

• Chelsea 2-1 Bournemouth

Luton boss Rob Edwards has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the Hatters were relegated to the Championship on the final day of the season: "We are a special club. We have got unique support - we have had that all season long. Everyone that has travelled has shown their best.

"We have given our best this year and ultimately we have just come up short, I know that. If one game could almost tell a season's story, that would be today.

"We showed really good moments, created chances, didn't take them, conceded from a mistake, then were punished with a brilliant finish, equalised and then conceded straight after.

"We got back into the game again at 3-2 and then conceded a quick counter-attack from a throw-in that we got in their final third.

"Full of endeavour, some really good quality at times as well, but just a little bit too fragile."

On the spirit of his players: "They have shown that all season long. We have scored a lot of goals this year. We have been good to watch. We have been involved in loads of great games, but we have conceded too many.

"That balance is something that we have got to try to address and we know where we need to keep improving.

"We have changed and evolved so much. There is a lot of good stuff we can take away to attack the Championship next season."

"We work hard, we give absolutely everything, we just have to be us - go and be Luton."

Speaking to the wider media, Edwards added: "We did our all. There are reasons for it [relegation] and I think, in the end, we were just a little bit thin.

"We missed him [Tom Lockyer] and we missed a number of other players as well. The job almost became impossible. When you have eight, nine, 10, 12, 13 players missing - it becomes too much.

"I understand why we were the favourites to go down and, ultimately, people were right."

Marissa Thomas
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Despite their best attempts to stay in the league, Luton will be playing Championship football next season.

The Hatters made their fans proud with numerous displays in the top flight but their inability to defend in key moments proved costly.

Carlton Morris' equalised from the spot, with his 11th league goal, before Luton conceded just over a minute later as Fulham regained the lead.

Rob Edwards' side lost 11 home games in the league this season, their most ever in a single top-flight campaign.

They also conceded 85 league goals this term overall, with only Sheffield United (104) and Darmstadt (86) letting in more across Europe’s top five leagues.

However, the team have found the net in each of their last seven games in the league, scoring nine goals in that run.

The fans stuck with their team throughout and stayed at Kenilworth Road long after the final whistle to applaud the players who provided them with an unforgettable season.

Here are the key facts and figures following Sunday’s game between Luton Town and Fulham in the Premier League.

• Luton's relegation confirms that this is only the second ever Premier League campaign to see all three promoted clubs go straight back down, after 1997-98 (Barnsley, Bolton, Crystal Palace).

• The Hatters scored 52 Premier League goals this season. In a 20-team campaign, only Blackpool (55 goals in 2010-11) have scored more in a season in which they were relegated.

• Luton lost 11 home games in the Premier League this season, their most ever in a single top-flight campaign. The Hatters also conceded 85 league goals this term overall, with only Sheffield United (104) and Darmstadt (86) letting in more goals across Europe's top five leagues so far this season.

• Fulham conceded 61 goals in the Premier League this season, only letting in more during the 2013-14 (85) and 2018-19 (81) campaigns in the competition, which both saw the Cottagers relegated.

• Joao Palhinha recorded 152 tackles in the Premier League this season, the most of any player in the competition. He also remains the only player across Europe's top five leagues to record both 100 or more tackles and win 250 or more duels in 2023-24.

Raul Jimenez scored twice as Fulham beat relegated Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on the final day of the Premier League season.

Adama Traore produced a unerring finish into the bottom corner as Fulham took the lead just before the break.

But after Calvin Bassey was adjudged to have fouled Chiedozie Ogbene, Carlton Morris rolled home the penalty to equalise.

Jimenez restored Fulham's lead deep into first-half added time, slotting in a first-time effort from Harry Wilson's pass.

The Mexico international got in front of the Luton defence and headed home his second from a Harrison Reed free-kick minutes after the interval.

Alfie Doughty's free-kick reduced the deficit as it found the bottom corner with Leno rooted to the spot.

Marco Silva's side restored their two-goal advantage when Wilson curled into the top corner from the edge of the box.

What did you make of the game?

Luton fans, how do you feel now that relegation has been confirmed?

Fulham fans - are you happy with your final performance this season?, external

Follow reaction and read the match report

All 20 teams are in action on the final day of the 2023-24 Premier League season, with the title winners, European spots and one relegation place still to be confirmed.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Luton have an almost - but not entirely - impossible task on the final day, but what a first Premier League season it has been for the Hatters.

We asked you how you were feeling before Sunday's game and how confident you are that Rob Edwards will stay at the club.

Here are some of your replies:

Russell: This team, this manager and everyone involved with Luton Town have been absolutely brilliant this season in the best league in world football. It has given the club confidence and belief to progress in the future.

Christian: I am excited for the future. I grew up in the 80s with legends Harford, Stein, Foster, Hill, Sealy, etc. We won the League Cup in 1988 and would have been in Europe if not for the English ban. But never, yes never, did I expect in my lifetime we would ever be top flight again. Money dictates, but we spent so carefully and we are set for the next decade now.

Amelia: I am so proud of Luton. They have shown why they got promoted. The players show what Luton means to them every single game whether it is celebrations or tears. They feel what the fans feel and that is what football is all about. Kenilworth Road is a great atmosphere to be in. I would class it as my second home.

Jamie: Edwards just simply has to stay. What a Herculean effort from the Hatters. We will be back.

Elliott: Sunday is just a chance to end on a high. I am personally excited for next season with optimism high for an immediate return with the right man in charge and the best group you could have asked for. They have given it their all despite the countless injuries. To even take it to the final day is a massive achievement!

Jonathon: I think Rob will stay. We had the near impossible task of staying up, and all Luton fans are proud to have him here. This summer we will regroup, rebuild, and come back stronger.

Ross: I am desperate for Rob to stay with us next season. Whatever players we lose or sign, he feels like the best man for the job. He gets the club, he gets the town - and that is vital as the Luton manager. Some neutrals think we are top six certainties, if not promotion candidates, but I am not so sure. A year to build again would not be a bad thing.

Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.

For this weekend’s final games of the season, he takes on Gladiators star Legend.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

One win in their past 17 league games has put pay to Luton's chances of staying up.

There is still talk of hope for the Hatters but, let's be realistic, they are not going to to overhaul Forest's vastly superior goal difference.

Will Rob Edwards' side bow out with a win, though? No.

Fulham have been accused of being on the beach already, but I am backing them here.

Legend's prediction: 1-0

This could be a similar outcome to Burnley because they will throw a lot at it.

Read all of Sutton's predictions for the final day of the season here

Image source, Getty Images

If you haven't done so already, you have until 10:00 BST on Wednesday, 22 May to cast your vote for Luton Town's player of the season from our shortlist.

The candidates have been chosen by fan writer Ollie Kay from We Are Luton Town, external.

Find out the reasons behind his selections and make your choice here

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Rob Edwards has been speaking to the media before Luton Town host Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Edwards confirmed that Reece Burke and Ross Barkley will both miss the final game of the season through injury.

• On Barkley, whose future with the club is still unclear, he added: "We have had a good chat. We want to be open and honest with each other. He is an ambitious person, as we all are. He recognises what this club has done for him and what we have done for each other. He has loved this season at the club. Nothing is off the table and we are really hopeful he will stay but we are also realistic in this day and age."

• The Hatters boss feels the club "is in a really healthy position", despite being set for a return to the Championship, and added: "We're only looking forward and club is in really great position. I'm really proud of what we have done the past 18 months. We have given everything and given a really good account of ourselves. We have shown Luton to the world in a really good light. Players, staff, supporters and I'm really proud of that."

• On keeping hold of players: "We have to think about what is best for the football club and there is a human side to everything as well. We will be in a really good position going into next season and we want to keep the majority of the squad together and I'm pretty sure we will do that."

• On what he has learned about himself: "I'm always open to learning and improving and getting better. I've done that along with staff and players this year. I have leant that I feel comfortable at this level, and along with the players and staff, that really pleases me. What it has also taught me is I'm a little bit jealous of the people who are going to be here next year and I really want to get back."

• Edwards said that himself and the club are "ambitious" and that it is "really disappointing to drop down," but added: "We also recognise how far we have come and we are in better position to attack the league than a year ago. We know how difficult the Championship is, it's a big challenge ahead but one we will really look forward to and relish."

• On message to fans: "Once again, thank you the support and the understanding. They have been really intelligent, been incredible for us. Enjoy the break and get ready to back us again next season."

Follow Friday's manager new conference updates

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

The Premier League season finishes on Sunday, with the league champions, qualifiers for European competitions and the third relegated club all yet to be confirmed.

The title

Manchester City start the day two points ahead of Arsenal but with a marginally worse goal difference.

City will be champions:

• If they beat West Ham

• If they draw or lose AND Arsenal fail to win

Arsenal will be champions:

• If they beat Everton AND City fail to win - an Arsenal win and a City draw would hand the title Arsenal on goal difference

The remaining European places

The fifth-place finisher qualifies for the Europa League. For sixth and seventh, it will depend on the outcome of the FA Cup final, the winners of which earn a Europa League place.

If Manchester City win the FA Cup, that Europa League place reverts to the league so the sixth-placed team will play in next season's Europa League, and the seventh-placed team will be in the Europa Conference League.

If Manchester United win the FA Cup, they get in the Europa League wherever they finish, and the highest-placed team not yet qualified for Europe gets the Europa Conference League place.

So let's take it team by team...

Tottenham:

• Will be fifth if they avoid defeat at Sheffield United, or if Chelsea fail to win

• Will be sixth if they lose AND Chelsea win

Chelsea:

• Will be fifth if they beat Bournemouth AND Tottenham lose

• Will be sixth if they win AND Tottenham avoid defeat

• Will be sixth if they draw, regardless of any other results

• Will be seventh if they lose AND Newcastle United win, or if Manchester United win while making up a 16-goal swing in goal difference over the Blues

• Will be eighth if they lose AND Newcastle win AND Manchester United win while making up the aforementioned 16-goal swing

Newcastle:

• Will be sixth if they win at Brentford AND Chelsea lose

• Will be seventh if they win AND Chelsea avoid defeat

• Will be seventh if they draw AND Manchester United fail to win

• Will be seventh if they lose AND Manchester United lose

• Will be eighth if they fail to win AND Manchester United win

Manchester United:

• Will be sixth if they win at Brighton AND Chelsea lose, with United making up an unfathomable 16-goal swing in goal difference on them, AND Newcastle fail to win

• Will be seventh if they better Newcastle's result, if they win and Newcastle fail to win, or if they draw and Newcastle lose

• Will be eighth if Newcastle match their result, if both teams win, draw or lose, or if Manchester United draw and Newcastle avoid defeat - or if Manchester United lose no matter what happens elsewhere

There is a highly unlikely scenario in which Manchester United could overtake Newcastle if both clubs win or both lose. However, it would require an improbable 25-goal swing in goal difference for this to occur. For example, if Newcastle win 1-0, Manchester United would need to win by a margin of 26 goals or more to move above them in the table.

The remaining relegation spot

Luton Town will be relegated unless they beat Fulham AND Nottingham Forest lose at Burnley, while the Hatters would also need to make up a 12-goal swing in goal difference across the two games, which would improbably relegate the Reds instead.

Image source, Reuters

The latest episode of Luton In The Prem from BBC Three Counties Radio is available now.

Geoff Doyle and Simon Oxley discuss the Hatters' probable relegation from the top flight before Sunday's final game of the season against Fulham, and which players could potentially leave the club in the summer.

Listen now on BBC Sounds