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OUR TOWN OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2020-21 ISSUE #22 | LUTON TOWN V WATFORD 17.04.21 | KO: 12:30PM
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OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V WATFORD | 17.04.21
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 Operations Director: Paul Watson Finance Director: Tom Schofield HR Director: Jemma Osborne Commercial Director: Chris Bell 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 Head of Scouting Operations: Phil Chapple Head of Recruitment Analysis: Jay Socik 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 Club Secretary: Chris Clark Safety Officer: Andrew Bracken 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 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, Ryan Payne, Kay Prosper and Dylan Bhundia. Additional pictures: Rex Features, Prime Media Images, Liam Smith and Matt Mansfield. The views in this programme are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the editor and/or Luton Town.
6 | KIRK STEPHENS NETS THE WINNER IN THE 1979 BOXING DAY DERBY
11 | HARRY CORNICK
38 | KAY PROSPER
5
NATHAN JONES
6
FROM THE BOARDROOM
11
CORNICK'S CALLING
19
THE PRESS BOX
38
48
@lutontown
The boss looks ahead to this afternoon's game Our directors reminisce about derby days past
Harry looks forward to the "biggest game of the season" BBC Three Counties Radio's Simon Oxley writes
KAY PROSPER
Luton boxer and Hatters fan pens an exclusive column
FIXTURES & RESULTS 2020-21
All the stats you need from the Town's matches this season
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facebook.com/lutontown |
@ltfc_official | www.lutontown.co.uk
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THE MANAGER
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NATHAN JONES Hello and welcome to Kenilworth Road for the one that I know you were all desperate to be here for.
Our fans are magnificent in giving us a lift when we need it and making it very daunting for opposition players. We miss that extra help, and it was great when we had it with just 1,000 and 2,000 against champions-elect Norwich and Preston.
E M O C N O U YO TERS AT Believe me, it would be an absolute dream to have 10,000 packed inside this famous old ground this lunchtime for a rip-roaring derby, the first at home for more than 15 years. I’ve experienced a derby myself in my time here as a player, unfortunately not out on the pitch, and we’ve been privileged to hear many stories from Mick – not least about his hat-trick past his best mate Tony Coton in the 3-2 win 35 years ago!
Of course, we welcome Xisco Munoz and his Watford team, along with their staff and any officials who have travelled. They have had an excellent season so far but they are probably relieved that our supporters can’t be here today.
Even on a normal matchday the Kenny has that roar and that intimidatory feel to it, with the fans being so close to the pitch. You can multiply that by a hundred for a derby, and that’s what we miss at the moment because the Kenny is brilliant for that.
But to be fair to the players, they have raised themselves for so many games this season, both here and on the road, which has resulted in our progression past last season’s points total with six games still to go. We want to go further and establish ourselves as a top half Championship team, and that’s what we’ll be aiming to do against sides with a lot to play for at both ends of the table in these final three weeks.
Against a good side with Premier League players, we are going to have to put in a performance that we are proud of, and if we are proud of it, then we know that you fans will be proud of it because you need that. You have been magnificent all year and have played a huge part in what we have been able to achieve.
Your backing, with such unbelievable financial input with season tickets, donations and trade in the club shop, has enabled us to continue to move forward at a steady rate. I haven’t heard of any other club where that backing has been so forthcoming from so many, and without your help we would have been battling away like Red Adair all season. But we haven’t. We have been able to push on, never looking over our shoulders, and you’ve all played a key role, so we’d like to give you something special back this afternoon. We know how much it means, so enjoy it and make sure you raise whichever roof you are watching under. COYH!
OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V WATFORD | 17.04.21 | PAGE 5
FROM THE BOARDROOM
E M O C N O U YO TER T A H BOB CURSON
Good afternoon everyone. It has been 15 years since we last had the opportunity of welcoming the management, players and staff of Watford Football Club to Kenilworth Road and I am hoping that the long wait proves to be worthwhile, and that we are treated to a typically entertaining and competitive local derby today.
Due to the close location of the clubs these games seem to be treated with much more passion by both sets of fans and as such, over the years we have seen some wonderful and exciting games at both stadiums.
In my youth, I can remember numerous occasions sharing many exhilarating and boisterous exchanges with the Watford fans in both the Oak Road and the Rookery during the mid to late sixties. My first taste of the local derby was on 25 April 1964, I was just 13 and stood in the Enclosure at the side of the dug-out when John O’Rourke scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory which saved us from relegation. There were over 19,000 fans in the stadium, it was a fantastic game. I was well and truly hooked, and have remained so ever since.
We played each other quite regularly over the next 35 years, during which time there were many memorable moments but one flurry of matches particularly springs to mind.
In the FA Cup fifth round in 1985 we drew the first game 0-0, drew the second game 2-2 after extra time and won the third game 1-0 back at Kenilworth Road thanks to Wayne Turner's birthday goal (pictured on page 9). Three games in six days, quite an achievement. After this we went on to beat Millwall in the sixth round (that infamous match) and then lost 2-1 to Everton at Villa Park in the semi-final. I was left crying in my beer along with over 20,000 Hatters fans!
Anyway, things moved on after the millennium and our Watford fixtures had become few and far between. But now we are back and ready for the challenge again. It is such a pity that due to this horrible pandemic our wonderful supporters will not be able to share the live experience this time. However, I know that I speak on behalf of the board, the management and the team, when I say that we will do our utmost to give you the opportunity to see your local derby again soon.
Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, one and all, for your fantastic support over the past year. It has been an unbelievably difficult time for everyone. Many of us have lost loved ones and friends, and have struggled financially, but we are still together and can now look forward to some form of positivity in our lives. Football can offer this positivity in many ways, providing entertainment for the fans, assistance to the community and a future for the kids. As supporters we have a lot to look forward to, a new stadium, regular top football matches and a great atmosphere of friendship and goodwill. So, let’s shake off the negativity and move on positively from this, our first game with Watford at Kenilworth Road for 15 years, whatever the result. Good luck and God bless!! COYH. Bob
PAUL BALLANTYNE First and foremost, it’s such a shame there will be no crowd in. This is a fixture that echoes through history – granddads tell grandkids, mothers tell their daughters, of that day they were there. Second, shame that it’s rigged, to some extent, by their Premier League parachute payment. What was it - £40 million? I have friends and even family who are Watford fans. They say this game means as much to them as it does to us. Hard to believe, that. It was the dream of this game kept us going through the dark days, while they were blithely sacking managers and spending money they hadn’t rightfully earned. We are Luton. This means more. Just a shame the fans aren’t here to prove it.
ROB STRINGER Like many of us reading this programme today, my favourite memory of Luton v Watford fixtures was our 1979 Boxing Day game away at Vicarage Road.
RS
Christmas spirit abounded in that packed away end and (with possibly only Brian Stein’s last-minute winner at Wembley ahead of it) we all saw one of the most momentous winning goals in our history. That team became the nucleus of our great promotion side of 81/82 and Kirk Stephens will forever be part of our folklore for that goal (pictured on page 3). I love the fact we all still sing about it over 40 years later - and that we'll be hearing 'Basher' co-commentating on iFollow today! My individual memory of the goal going in was that seconds later, with no choice, I instantly tumbled down about 20 terrace steps in the delirious scenes that followed. Marvellous moments which only fuel the rivalry that still exists between the two clubs today!
Scott Oakes fires home in the 4-2 win at Vicarage Road in 1994-95
OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V WATFORD | 17.04.21 | PAGE 7
E M O C N O U YO TER T A H DAVID WILKINSON
Local derbies are a peculiar phenomenon and they seem to be born out of past encounters and the myth of distant memory rather than being intentionally manufactured.
Quite a few of our local rivals have sought to gain advantage by creating one, but have all failed. Stevenage, Cambridge, Wycombe, Franchise and even Millwall come to mind, but, even though we have recently been five divisions apart, none of them can compete with the real thing. We have been playing each other since we were both founded in 1885, but it seems the meetings were pretty uneventful until the last game of the 1968/69 season. We had gone unbeaten at home all season, scoring 57 goals in the process and despite winning 2-1 they won the League and we were pipped to second place by Swindon Town. Three players were sent off in the game and the atmosphere was toxic to say the least and set the trend for future meetings. My colleagues are also sharing their experiences in these notes today, but for me apart from some good results and the occasional stunning goal the games have been, as is often the case with other derbies, largely disappointing. A case in point was the last meeting in the Championship in January 2006 when Aidy Boothroyd’s team won 2-1 employing their appalling time-wasting tactics and football destroying game management. It was the first time I had witnessed pre-
Ian Buxton in the 68/69 bloodbath
planned tea breaks for the players and thought that if we had to watch that every week we’d find another sport. Let’s hope that today is about football and we have a game to remember for the right reasons.
Finally, a little anecdote, which demonstrates the good-natured side of local rivalry. A while back I was driving around Regents Park in London when I was pulled over by a motorcycle cop. He asked where I was going and I asked why he had pulled me over. He asked if I was aware that I was causing a disturbance likely to lead to an affray. I told him I didn’t know what he was talking about. He then pointed to the LTFC sticker on my rear window and told me he was a Watford fan. We were going well in League One at the time and he wished us well and hoped we would be playing each other again soon. Oh, and he didn’t charge me!!! It just reminds us that football is all about rivalry, banter, camaraderie, passion, memories and history. It is not about being sanitized in empty stadia. “Good becomes better by playing against better, but better doesn’t become the best by playing against good.” Amit Kalantri. Enjoy the game.
COME ON YOU HATTERS.
STEPHEN BROWNE It was a mad March….not only had we already played each other twice, but we knew we were playing each other at least another two times in the month – once in the League and this game in the Cup. So far, two games and 3½ hours of football had not separated us. Even though the last game saw them 2-0 up with just a quarter of an hour to go, our amazing lads had got back to 2-2 to force extra time, which is how it remained. Two draws in the FA Cup and this was to be the second replay to decide who would progress to the Sixth Round. This was when we just continued playing Cup replays until there was a winner….no such thing as penalties back then.
RS
The Kenny was packed. I stood in the Oak Road being heaved and thrown about, moving in waves as we sang, as was the way back then. I was not quite 17 years old and whilst young, this rivalry was never ever lost on me. Our side rang out with the names of legends – Sealey, Breacker, Thomas, Fozzy, Donaghy, Hill, Stein, Harford….and my personal favourite Moss on the bench. The game kicked off exactly how we expected and yearned for… Sir Mick immediately going in for a crunching tackle that set the scene for the game. Indeed, by the final whistle there would be blood on the face of their centre back Terry.
Wayne Turner scoring the only goal of the game, on his birthday, in the FA Cup second replay in 1984-85
They had Coton, Blissett, Jackett, and the tricky youngster Barnes. But the first half passed by without anyone able to break the deadlock. I’m sure I recall a handball by Barnes that wasn’t given as a penalty, and we had a few chances but not a lot to test Coton. The second half started and again Sir Mick launched himself at those in yellow, setting out our intent from the off. To be honest I don’t remember too much about the second half because we spent a lot of time in ‘polite intercourse’ with Tony Coton who stood in front of the Oak Road, and singing songs for Elton John who was in the crowd. But what I do remember was Parker. The hero of the previous encounter to claw us back to 2-2 was doing it again. About half-way through the second half Breacker got the ball, passed to Stein who laid it off to Parker. From where I stood it seemed like Gary threaded a ball through the eye of a needle only to find local lad Wayne Turner needing just one touch to slot it past Coton. We erupted and I was carried on the customary Oak Road surge in exultation. Unlikely scorer Wayne had put us in front for the first time in over 300 minutes of play. ‘Wembley’ was sung and sung. My memory says we started calling for the whistle with ten minutes to go, and when it eventually came the Kenny Roar was deafening. Wayne had put himself in to Hatters folklore, and his goal was burnt into my memory for a lifetime. There is nothing that matters as much as winning this derby.
HARRY CORNICK Forward Harry Cornick says the Hatters squad know the importance of today's first derby at Kenilworth Road for 15 years. “We’ve been speaking all week about it, bigging it up,” said the 26-year-old forward, speaking to the Luton Town Supporters' Trust Podcast. “Mick Harford’s been banging on to us about how he scored the hat-trick in 1986 and how much it meant to him and the fans back then, and we know it’s a massive game for the fans. “There’s no two ways about it – I’ve had messages all week and all season saying this is a huge game, and we know it is. Obviously it would be that bit tastier with the fans there and it would spur us on, so we need to make sure we are putting our all in on the pitch for the fans and let them know how much this game means to us as well as it means to them.” With the Hatters in 13th place, and having beaten champions-elect Norwich City twice at home this season, Cornick is adamant than Nathan Jones’ squad will let others worry about them, rather than the other way around. “We don’t fear anyone as a club,” said Cornick. “That’s part of the reason we are who we are, we are Luton Town and we don’t fear anyone.
“We are going to go out and try our best and implement our style and our style of game on them. I think we’ve done that this year as well, going away to Bournemouth and turning them over, which was brilliant. “Even going away to Chelsea, I thought we went toe to toe with them for large parts of the game and the result probably didn’t reflect what we could have got from the game. “We do get right up for the big games and this is going to be the biggest game of our season, for sure, and that’s the one that we want to win. The one that if we can get a result against them, it’ll mean so much to us as a club, and to players as well. “We want to win that because when we lost to them away from home at the start of the year, 1-0, it was sort of like the game didn’t really go the way we wanted it to, and it never developed how we were trying to. “So we do feel we owe these one because it’s a big derby for us. We need to make sure we don’t lose two to them and get the result on Saturday. “I think we’ve really grown into this year. I think we’ve started to grow into ourselves, started to get a style of play which I think we are all comfortable with and we all enjoy playing in, and we know each other and how we are going to play now. “Don’t get me wrong, Watford are a great team and they’ve got some great players and individuals in that team, but as Luton Town as a club, we know we can get the result. “We don’t fear them. We don’t fear any player that they’ve got. I think they should be coming here fearing us, knowing how much we are going to be up for this one.”
OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V WATFORD | 17.04.21 | PAGE 11
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SUPPORTERS' TRUST
LUTON TOWN SUPPORTERS' TRUST I’d like to begin this column by hoping that everyone reading this is safe and well in these times. As we begin to regain normality little by little, the mind cannot help but think what might have been and how great it would have been for 10,000 of us to be packed inside our famous old ground for a match we have waited 15 years for. I’m sure I speak for Town fans everywhere when I state that even accounting for what is going on in the world, not being able to be present at games like today is frustrating. Thankfully it appears the countdown is on until the days when we can all reconvene here again doing what we all love. In many ways today is another significant milestone on the amazing journey the club has been on over the last seven years since our Football League exile ended. At one time four divisions separated ourselves and our opponents today. Now we meet as equals. An incredible effort from everyone involved. This is normally a busy time of year for me in my LTST media officer role. Usually we are preparing for our Presentation Evening where the Player of the Season and other such award winners are announced. This year that will come to you in virtual form due to the Covid-19 restrictions still being in place.
My fellow board members have also been working hard behind the scenes on a number of projects and initiatives, many of which we will present to you as we reach the end of the season and into the close season. We are also preparing to open up our new membership year, so even though the current state of the world is making achieving our aims and objectives more difficult, we are not letting that get in the way of providing the best service for our members. Even in absence from Kenilworth Road today, enjoy the game wherever you watch from. Kevin Harper Media officer, Luton Town Supporters' Trust #mytownmyshirt One of those projects we have already announced is #mytownmyshirt. We are working very closely with the club to celebrate the diversity in our town and our fan base by inviting all members of our community to send in pictures of themselves in their Luton shirt like the one of Ali above, taken by Bradley Dixon in Bury Park. Next month we will choose a number of people and invite them to a photo shoot and form a gallery of the best during the summer. For more details on the project and how you can get involved head to this link - https://www.lutontownsupporterstrust.com/ ltst-and-ltfc-launch-my-town-my-shirt-project/ VOTE FOR PLAYER OF THE SEASON! It is that time once again where Luton Town Supporters’ Trust members get to choose their Player of the Season, which will be one of the awards presented in our ‘Presentation Evening’ video at the end of the season. Members should have received an email informing them of how to register their vote for their Player of the Season. If you have
C O
We are working very closely with the club to celebrate the diversity in our town and our fan base by inviting all members of our community to send in pictures of themselves in their Luton shirt.
not received correspondence from us please drop an email to membership@ lutontownsupporterstrust.com
and Jake Howells were the first two to be interviewed by Kevin Harper, before taking questions from LTST members. Other events are in the pipeline so keep an eye on our website and social feeds for further details when they are released.
E M O C N O U YO TERS AT Information will be released next week on how you can vote for Goal of the Season, and once we finalise plans for the presentation of the video we will circulate that via email and on all our social feeds. PODCAST
Our podcast continues to be popular. Harry Cornick joined Kev for a chat ahead of today’s game earlier this week.
If you have not downloaded and listened to that you will find the links to do so on our website. We have recently had Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tom Lockyer and Elijah Adebayo with us too. We will be bringing you regular podcasts throughout the summer so subscribe via your favourite podcast app to make sure you are notified when each edition drops!
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The new membership year begins on June 1 and with the release of the season ticket information earlier in the week, we are now open for the 2021/22 season. You have three easy ways to join/renew your membership: • Fill in the form on the season ticket brochure • Using the LTFC online ticket portal • Clicking this link to renew online via our website: www.lutontownsupporterstrust.com/become-a-member/
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OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V WATFORD | 17.04.21 | PAGE 15
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BBC Three Counties Radio commentator SIMON OXLEY on today's derby Can it really be 15 years since the last derby game here? My daughter was 2, my son not yet born. Now one is studying for A levels and the other for GCSEs. There is a generation for whom today is something new, even if they are only watching or listening at home.
the Hatters leading 3-1. Three years later it was Luton’s turn to be suffering from injuries, with Lennie Lawrence forced to field a makeshift defence against Graham Taylor’s promotion chasing side in what is now League One. Watford had recruited former Liverpool and Spurs star Ronny Rosenthal – who nearly joined Luton before opting for Anfield in 1990 – and Taylor’s side raced into a 4-nil half-time lead. That’s how it finished.
E M O C N O U YO TERS T A Having missed the almost yearly meetings of the 1980s, my first experience of this fixture came on an emotional Sunday afternoon in November 1992 in front of the regional ITV cameras. Luton were playing whilst young defender Darren Salton was in hospital with serious injuries after a fatal car crash just days before. Ian Benjamin scored for the Hatters in a 2-nil win for David Pleat’s side. Many of the games since haven’t quite lived up to expectations to be honest with a number of uneventful draws both here and at Vicarage Road. But there have been some notable exceptions.
The following August, on the opening day of the season, Luton won 2-1 here with Watford finishing with nine men. Then in September 1994, the Hatters won 4-2 at an injury-hit Watford as a young centre-half named Gary Fitzgerald made his one and only appearance for the home side. He was substituted at half-time with
I’ll be honest, it was a tense atmosphere shall we say, but amongst all the anger Luton fans in the Kenilworth Road stand gave much deserved applause to former Hatters keeper Alec Chamberlain as he returned to line-up at that end for the start of the second half. And then the last game here, in January 2006, as Aidy Boothroyd’s side overcame the sending off of Ashley Young to win 2-1 on their way to promotion. Luton boss Mike Newell, never one to hold back in post-match interviews, was very critical of the visitors’ tactics, prompting Boothroyd’s famous, or infamous depending on your point of view, comment about “managing the game”. Those have been my league highlights, but there have also been occasional cup meetings including in the Anglo-Italian Cup. But the stand out cup memory is the League Cup tie at Vicarage Road in September 2002, when Matthew Spring’s stunning long range goal helped Joe Kinnear’s side to a 2-1 win. Spring would play for Watford in that 2006 game here.
Plenty of memories including the first meeting this season in an empty ground in September. Hopefully next time that new generation of fans will be here to experience the occasion, although at the time of writing it doesn’t look as though the sides will be meeting next season. Surely it won’t be another 15 years. I might be a Grandad by then!
OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V WATFORD | 17.04.21 | PAGE 19
WATFORD
ON THE GOALKEEPER
DA NIEL B A CH M ANN A NN Austrian goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann had spells at various clubs during his youth career, eventually coming through the academy system at Stoke. He failed to break into the first-team at Stoke, having loan spells at Wrexham, Ross County, and Bury.
THE MANAGER
XISCO MUNOZ
Spaniard Xisco Munoz began his playing career at Mallorca, playing for their reserve side, before moving onto Valencia, where he would break into the first-team set-up. He later had spells at Real Betis, Levante, Dinamo Tbilisi, and Gimnastic, before eventually going to pursue a career in coaching. Munoz would eventually return to the Georgian capital to join the coaching team at former side Dinamo Tbilisi. The 40-year-old would return to the club again in August 2020, becoming head coach of the Georgian side. After winning the league with Tbilisi, he was announced as Vladimir Ivic’s replacement as head coach of Watford in December 2020.
Following his release from the Potters in 2017, the goalkeeper joined Watford. He spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Kilmarnock, before returning to Vicarage Road. Starting the season as back-up to Ben Foster, Bachmann was given a chance to prove himself as the Hornets’ number one after Foster picked up an injury, and has kept his place in recent months.
DEFENDER
K IKO FE M ENI A A product of the Hercules youth system, Kiko Femenia went onto make over 70 league appearances for the first-team, and would later play for the reserve sides of both Barcelona and Real Madrid. The 30-year-old would have later spells in his native Spain with Alcorcon and Alaves, before making the switch to England, joining Watford in July 2017. Since his move to Hertfordshire, he has been a regular for the Hornets in both the Premier League and the Championship, and has been a key player in the visitor’s defence so far this season.
RADAR MIDFIELD
N A T H A NIEL CH A LOB LOBA AH Joining the Chelsea academy at the age of 10, Nathaniel Chalobah would go onto make 15 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, all coming under Antonio Conte in 2016/17. He spent most of his time at Stamford Bridge away on loan, with the 26-year-old having spells at Watford, Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough, Burnley, Reading, and Napoli, before eventually pursuing a permanent move away. The club Chalobah joined permanently was Watford, rejoining the club five years after his initial loan spell. Since his move to Vicarage Road, the midfielder has made over 70 league appearances in a Watford shirt.
STRIKER
JOA O JOA PEDRO Brazilian teenager Joao Pedro hasn’t had a long career, but has made an impressive start to life in England, joining Watford in January 2020. Coming through the youth system at Fluminese, a move to Watford was already agreed before Pedro had even made his professional debut. During his time at the club, he made 29 league appearances, scoring five times. So far this season, the 19-year-old attacker has been in good form for the Hornets. In the Championship he has netted nine times in 34 appearances, becoming a key man under Xisco Munoz.
KEEP AN EYE ON...
ISM IS M AIL AIL A SARR
Watford’s key man this season, Ismaila Sarr, has been in fine form. With 12 goals in the Championship so far, Sarr’s campaign has been very impressive. The Senegalese international began his career with Generation Foot, eventually signing a professional deal with Ligue 1 side Metz. After one season with the club, he joined fellow French top flight side Stade Rennais. After two impressive seasons with Stade Rennais, Sarr became Watford’s record signing in August 2019, for a reported fee in the region of £30 million. In February 2020, Sarr scored twice for Watford as the Hornets ended Liverpool’s s 44-match unbeaten league run. Words: Ryan Payne
OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V WATFORD | 17.04.21 | PAGE 21
CLASSIC CLASH 15.04.64 | LUTON TOWN 2 WATFORD 1 DIVISION THREE (NOW LEAGUE ONE)
CLUB HISTORIAN ROGER WASH DELVES INTO HIS ARCHIVES...
By the middle of March 1964, following a 2-0 defeat at Hull, the Hatters were dead and buried at the bottom of Division Three and looked certainties to be relegated but in an amazing turnaround won five and drew two of their next seven games. Buoyed by the goals of teenage striker John O’Rourke the Town would now confirm safety if they could beat Watford at home in their penultimate game. Watford, in this their last game of the season, still had an
outside chance of promotion if they could win by five goals and such was the interest a crowd of 19,799 turned up. Watford took the lead through George Harris soon after the interval but two predatory goals from O’Rourke in the 81st and 88th minutes secured the vital victory. Luton directors cheekily sent champagne to the Watford changing room afterwards but this was immediately returned by manager Bill McGarry! Pictured is John O’Rourke after netting the late winner.
OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V WATFORD | 17.04.21 | PAGE 23
By club historian Roger Wash The latest addition to the Hatters’ Heritage website are a number of videos of season compilations, iconic matches plus colour footage from the 1950s and 1960s – have a look on www.hattersheritage.co.uk which links to our own YouTube channel. In turn, we aim to run a series throughout the season in the programme showcasing artefacts and memorabilia in our collection reflecting the club’s rich history. Today’s photo shows the ball used for the Watford v Luton game played at Vicarage Road in February 1937. The Town won 3-1 through goals from Albert Dawes, Joe Payne and Fred Roberts in front of a then record crowd of 27632 as they made their way to the championship of Division Three (South). The ball was won in a ‘Whist Drive’ competition!
OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V WATFORD | 17.04.21 | PAGE 25
THE CAMERA NEVER LIES
The pressing game as it was back in 1982! Five Watford defenders are unable to contain Ricky Hill as he comes away with the ball during the 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road in 1981-82. ROGER WASH
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KIT SPONSORS 20/21
To find out more information about kit sponsorships, contact our commercial team on 01582 411622 JAMES SHEA 01
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C O
ACADEMY UPDATE
A insight into the academy and our bright young prospects with ANDY AWFORD U21s The U21s travel to Stevenage today for a fixture in good form following victories away at Spurs and AFC Wimbledon. The 3-2 victory at Spurs was a great challenge for our young players with goals from Coree Wilson, Avan Jones and Sam Beckwith. Whilst the AFC Wimbledon game provided a different experience it was pleasing to see us see the game out following goals from Dion Pereira (pictured below) and Jack Chambers.
to Stevenage today which gives the boys great experience in preparation for next season.
E M O C N O U YO TERS AT Schoolboys The Easter holiday programme has been as hectic as ever with lots of fixtures against our very own Development Centre, Coventry City, Focus Football and QPR. Great to see the schoolboys back in enjoying themselves with their friends in a competitive environment.
Education Finally, I would like to highlight the quality of work that our second-year apprentices have produced under the watchful U18s and supportive eye of Dale Brunton. The boys (and Dale) have With the majority of the older U18s group absolutely smashed their Standardised Education Programme involved in the U21 fixtures, the U18 (SEP) and have done the club and themselves proud. Well done squad has been relatively young for their to Dale, the players and everyone involved! last couple of fixtures. A defeat at home to Peterborough was followed by a victory Enjoy today's game and COYH! over Oxford, and a young squad travels
OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V WATFORD | 17.04.21 | PAGE 31
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LUTON TOWN COMMUNITY TRUST Trust engages with over 1,000 young people over Easter break With some lockdown restrictions for grassroot sport easing on the first day of the Easter school holidays the Trust enjoyed a different, but equally busy two weeks of football activity with over 1,000 eager young participants making a welcome return to football activity through our soccer camps, youth development programme, youth intervention programmes and partnering with Active Luton on a holiday activities and food programme.
Holiday Soccer Camps Over 300 primary school children across Luton, Beds & Herts enjoyed our soccer camps over Easter and after four months of lockdown inactivity, for the first time in a while some camps were sold out, which meant some children unfortunately missed out but due to Covid restrictions some of our venues placed strict limits on the number of ‘bubbles’ we were able to operate.
However, for those children lucky enough to gain a place it was those in the first week that hit the jackpot with temperatures like summer, but for those in the second week it was Baltic with snow flurries and freezing temperatures. It didn’t seem to affect the children too much, as they were just happy to be out and about playing football. It was especially great to have the sound of excited youngsters back at our Ely Way training ground in Leagrave – it’s been a sad quiet place for too long! It was also good to see some of our part time coaching staff back doing what they enjoy – keeping kids active for 5 hours a day is not easy, even when they enjoy it, and their dedication, enthusiasm and care especially in the freezing cold was good to see. It’s only five weeks to the next half term and while Covid restrictions will still probably prevent our first team players coming out to present medals, lets hope by the summer we can welcome them back – it makes such a difference to the camps and is a real highlight for all participants.
Holiday Activities and Food Programme School holidays can be a particular pressure point for some families because of increased costs (such as food and childcare) and reduced incomes. For some children that can
C O
E M O C N O U YO TERS AT lead to a holiday experience gap – not all kids are lucky enough to attend our soccer camps, with children from disadvantaged families less likely to access organised out-of-school activities and more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health. Free holiday camps are a response to this issue for children who receive benefits-related free school meals, and through Dept of Education funding, we partnered with Active Luton to provide activities and hot healthy lunches from the Club’s kitchens for 200 Luton school children.
We held camps at Lea Manor Recreation Centre, Riverside and Linden Primary Schools and as a result of the programme, children from disadvantaged backgrounds ate more healthily and were much more active over Easter. We’ll hope to be involved in a similar free programme during the summer and as well as ensuring disadvantaged children are more active throughout August, we’ll ensure they have a greater knowledge of health and nutrition and also for their families who participate in this programme it will help develop their understanding of nutrition and food budgeting. A great government initiative!
Youth Development Programme
A very different Easter for the boys. Ordinarily, our youth development squads enjoy either a trip to Holland for
the Easter Open Tournament, or visit Stowe School near Buckingham for a 3-day residential camp.
Both trips were again cancelled for the second year in a row, however, we have extended our normal season by two months and managed to push our Stowe residentials for all boys to the end of July, which should provide a great end to the strangest of seasons! Like many other EFL Clubs, our fully integrated youth player development structure at the Club is run by the Community Trust with recruited boys starting their journey with Luton Town hoping to gain an academy place with the Club. Due to Covid restrictions in place, we were allowed to play games, but not against other professional clubs who we normally play in the school holidays. Instead, in week 1 our pre-academy played internal games against our full schoolboy academy teams, providing a great showcase opportunity for boys. In week 2 our pre-academy squads played internal games against our 4 development centres from Luton, Dunstable, Kempston and Arlesey.
These development centres draw boys from a large catchment area from MK down to St Albans and Hemel and from Aylesbury across to Hitchin and Letchworth. It’s a great pool of talent and helps support our academy recruitment at all ages up to U16. Ely Way was happy to welcome all of the boys back!
OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V WATFORD | 17.04.21 | PAGE 35
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KAY PROSPER
Professional boxer and Hatters fan looks forward to a huge week THIS is a massive week of sport for Luton as we host our old rivals Watford for the first time in 15 years before I fight for the European super-lightweight title next Friday – and we need you all to will us both to victory. It’s devastating that us Luton fans won’t be able to be at Kenilworth Road to watch what is likely to be our most important home game of the season, while the biggest fight of my career in Spain against Sandor Martin on the evening of Friday April 23 – St George’s Day – will also be held behind closed doors. But I hope that that you’ll all be sending love and support through the TV as you watch me try to bring home the belt live on DAZN, just as I know you’ll all be screaming at the box at 3pm this Saturday. Because trust me when I say that, as professional athletes, we rely on knowing we have your passionate support to get us through big events in our careers – even when you’re not physically with us. While my job is boxing, football – and in particular, Luton Town – was my first love. As a youngster I played for Luton Town schoolboys and always dreamed of pulling on my boots and stepping out on the hallowed turf of Kenilworth Road.
While that now, at the ripe age of 36, seems unlikely (!) my burning ambition is to take Martin’s title in his backyard and host a homecoming defence, or even a world title fight, at our famous old stadium. Because Kenilworth Road has been a part of my life since March 1988, when I was first taken aged six by my godfather to a 4-1 home victory against Portsmouth. I remember the atmosphere taking my breath away and, while I have been a regular at matches since, that first game will always have a special place in my heart. But my favourite Luton Town memory has to be when we went to Wembley in 2009 and beat Scunthorpe 3-2 to win the Football League Trophy. I could feel the unity and togetherness of the community, and that day sums up why I love this club so much as I am proud to be from Luton. I’m so passionate about the whole town, with the football club as our heartbeat. Being a Hatters supporter gives me a sense of identity and pride, which I know you all feel, too. It’s why this local derby with Watford means so much to us fans, and the rivalry between us shows in the passion of the players, giving them that extra incentive to win, which is something I certainly relate to through the competitive nature of boxing.
The rivalry and hostility between myself and Sam O’Maison (CORR), who I controversially drew with for the English title in March 2019 when most people thought I should have won, benefitted us both and led to an intriguing encounter five months later where I avenged the decision. Having won the rematch to become English champion, I know how much it means to come out victorious in a rivalry of such magnitude, which adds to my excitement at the prospect of us beating Watford, lifting the town during these tough times – which I then aim to add to six days later. While I dreamed of pulling on our famous white strip as a pro, injury meant I had to quit the game after a short period playing semi-professionally. But football’s ‘loss’ (!) was boxing’s gain. Because during my spell on the sidelines, I decided along with my cousin Paul Webb to give back to the community that had raised us so well in the form of a boxing gym, Hockwell Ring ABC, with the intention of taking kids off the streets and away from crime and channelling their energy into something positive. Having started off as a coach, I decided to have an amateur fight to improve, which saw me record a first round knockout, giving me a buzz and a euphoria that I’d never experienced in football. After a few more fights I decided to pursue amateur boxing and try to make the Olympics. When that didn’t materialise, I went pro and am hugely proud of what I have achieved so far in becoming the English Super-Lightweight Champion with a record of 14-1-1 (7) and now stepping up to European level – which I am determined to win.
I feel in the best shape of my life and, whatever the result, Martin will know he has been in a fight. Without fans there will naturally be less energy in the arena, but I’m sure me travelling into the lion’s den without fans will affect him more than me – especially as I hope to have the support of all Luton behind me, which is a huge boost. Considering where I came from, and how I came to start boxing, the fact that I could be on the verge of a world title shot definitely relieves some pressure because there is already a sense that I have overachieved. But I’m not one to rest on my laurels and plan on becoming European champion before moving on to a world title shot either at Kenilworth Road, or in our new stadium when we move there. With Luton established back in the Championship and soon to be playing in a new home, it’s such an exciting time for sport in this town. Hopefully we can get the three points against Watford and then on Friday night I will bring back the European belt to provide the cherry on top of an amazing week in this great town’s history. But we can’t do it without you. So please do me and the Luton squad a huge favour and make some noise from wherever in the world you are watching the game and my fight, helping us to a double triumph. Come On You Hatters! *Kay Prosper fights Sandor Martin live on DAZN on the evening of Friday April 23.
OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V WATFORD | 17.04.21 | PAGE 39
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LUTON TOWN
BARNSLEY
SLUGA
COLLINS
CLARK
SIBBICK
PEARSON
HELIK
REA
ANDERSEN
45'
NAISMITH
BRITTAIN
LUTON 1 BARNSLEY 2
CRANIE
MONDAY 5TH APRIL 2021 | KENILWORTH ROAD
BRADLEY
46'
WALTON
HATTERS SCORER: COLLINS 83'
CORNICK
70'
WILLIAMS
TYKES SCORERS: DIKE 27', 59'
BERRY
ATTENDANCE: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
70'
MPANZU DEWSBURY-HALL
www.lutontown.co.uk
STYLES
78'
TUNNICLIFFE NOMBE 45' ADEBAYO
57'
MOWATT
70'
ADEBOYEJO
57'
WOODROW
77'
DIKE
27', 59'
SUBSTITUTES
78'
CHAPLIN
MONCUR COLLINS LUALUA
57'
MORRIS 70'
ISTED
TO READ THE FULL MATCH REPORT, VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
PALMER
83'
ODUOR HALME
70'
57'
SOLLBAUER
BREE
FRIESER
MORRELL
MOON
77'
Manager Nathan Jones insisted he would be ‘ruthless’ until the end of the season after seeing his team fall to defeat against Barnsley.
not many chances were created and there wasn’t a real seriousness about us. I want us to evolve into a better team and we were using these last nine games to do that and see if we could do certain things.
Barnsley scored in each half through Daryl Dike before James Collins pulled a goal back for the Hatters with eight minutes to play, but an equaliser proved elusive in the end.
“But now, I’m going back to basics, I’m going to make sure we finish the season with points because I don’t want to lose games by trying people, seeing if people are good enough.”
It marked back-to-back defeats following the two-week international break and the manager is keen to see more from his players in the remaining seven matches.
LT
B
POSSESSION:
55%
45%
The Welshman said: "These (Barnsley) are brutal and credit to them because they’re getting results and there are no complaints whatsoever from that.
SHOTS ON TARGET:
2
7
SHOTS OFF TARGET:
6
10
CORNERS:
3
4
“We were sloppy against Derby in the things that we did,
FOULS:
8
8
OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V WATFORD | 17.04.21 | PAGE 45
WYCOMBE 1 LUTON 3 SATURDAY 10TH APRIL 2021 | ADAMS PARK CHAIRBOYS SCORER: MEHMETI (PEN) 37'
WYCOMBE WANDERERS
LUTON TOWN
STOCKDALE
SLUGA
GRIMMER
BREE
STEWART
PEARSON
KNIGHT
BRADLEY
MCCARTHY
NAISMITH 37'
MEHMETI
63'
54' 76'
CLARK
ADENIRAN
MPANZU
THOMPSON
BERRY
ONYEDINMA
TUNNICLIFFE
45' 45'
MUSKWE
84'
COLLINS 90+2'
IKPEAZU
78'
ADEBAYO
88'
SUBSTITUTES ALLSOP WHEELER
SHEA 63'
CRANIE
HATTERS SCORERS: MONCUR 80', LUALUA 85' ADEBAYO 88'
PATTISON
CORNICK
46'
ATTENDANCE: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
KASHKET
MONCUR
76'
PHILLIPS
REA
HORGAN
DEWSBURY-HALL
TO READ THE FULL MATCH REPORT, VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
MCCLEARY
LUALUA
www.lutontown.co.uk
AKINFENWA SAMUEL
84' 78'
80'
90+2'
NOMBE MORRELL
54'
46' 85'
Manager Nathan Jones was pleased his side were able to turnaround their fortunes to complete a comeback victory against Wycombe. The gaffer wasn’t best pleased after his side went into the halftime a goal down, but a mixture of second half changes and a red card to Josh Knight helped Town towards an eighth away win of the season and maintain the unbeaten record at Adams Park with late goals from George Moncur, Kazenga LuaLua and Elijah Adebayo. “We felt at half-time we were nowhere near it first-half,” the manager admitted. “We didn’t display any kind of quality and we said against Wycombe we have to show quality because endeavour wise you have to match them because they are full of endeavour. "We had to demonstrate any kind of quality that we have and we didn’t do that. We brought on real quality and it showed,
some will say the sending off changed the game, I’m sure it helped 100 per cent but I think half-time actually helped the most. We regrouped, changed the shape a little bit and personal and started on the front foot. I thought we were excellent second half. “We added quality second half, Kiernan was excellent, he was only out because he had a sore back but I thought we demonstrated real control second half.” WW
LT
POSSESSION:
36%
64%
SHOTS ON TARGET:
4
6
SHOTS OFF TARGET:
3
7
CORNERS:
4
3
FOULS:
10
12
OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V WATFORD | 17.04.21 | 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
BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD
BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD
6 2 7
1 -
1 -
-
-
-
W 2-0 L 0-2 L 0-2 W 1-0 D 1-1 L 0-3
BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD
BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD
5 6 10 9 9 13
-
-
1 1 -
-
1 1 -
• • • • • •
4
POS
SENT OFF
3
AWAY
OWN GOALS
2
ATT
PENALTY (A)
1
SCORE
PENALTY (F)
W 1-0 D 1-1 D 1-1 D 1-1 L 0-4
BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD
BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD
9 10 10 9 12
-
1 -
-
-
-
W 3-1 L 0-2 D 0-0 W 3-0 L 0-1 D 0-0 L 1-2 W 2-1
1,000 BCD BCD 2,000 BCD BCD BCD BCD
N/A BCD BCD N/A BCD BCD BCD BCD
11 1 1 12 - 13 - 11 - 13 1* 14 - 15 - 13 - -
1
1 -
1 -
W 1-0 L 0-2 W 1-0 L 0-1 L 1-3 L 0-1
BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD
BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD
14 12 13 13
- - - - - - - - - 1* - - -
1 -
1 1 -
• • • • •
D 1-1 W 1-0 L 0-2 L 0-3 D 1-1 W 3-2
BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD
BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD
15 14 15 16 17 14
-
-
-
-
1 -
• • • • • •
• • a yc
W 1-0 L 0-3 L 0-1 W 2-0 W 1-0
BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD
BCD BCD BCD BCD BCD
13 14 16 13 13
1 -
-
1
-
1 -
• • • • •
•
L 0-2 L 1-2 W 3-1
BCD BCD BCD
BCD BCD BCD
13 13 13
- 1 - 1* - 1 -
-
1
•
• d •
•
c
y
•
•
•
•
b y y y
• • • b • •
y e • •
c e • d
y
a • • ya
•
b
c y c e b
•
d a
a c
1y
• • a yc 1
1
b b b
y c 1d
c
b
• a b b c a e c
cy • b
c y y d
• y •
b1 a b a a • • • a a c b •
d a c •
d d e c
a • b • c •
• • c c • •
b b b a b
• a • • •
• •
b b b
d e b
b
b b
c y b
a c •
b
b b
c ya c b
• y b
y c dy e • a
•
1
Substitute • Unused sub y: yellow card r: red card p: penalty scorer *: penalty missed
•
b
c •
a y
b a a c a a
a
1 r
a
• c
c
1
y
y
c a •
y
a
e a
a b • b b yb
• • • d a • • ya
a
a
a • •
• y
c
• • • • •
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 7.45pm H Bristol City JANUARY Sat 9 12.00pm H Reading (FAC R3) Tue 12 7.00pm H QPR Sat 16 3.00pm A AFC Bournemouth Wed 20 7.00pm A Brentford Sun 24 12.00pm A Chelsea (FAC R4) Sat 30 3.00pm A Blackburn Rovers FEBRUARY Sat 6 3.00pm H Huddersfield Town Sat 13 3.00pm A Birmingham City Tue 16 8.15pm 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 12.15pm H Swansea City Tue 16 7.00pm 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 12.30pm H Watford Wed 21 7.45pm H Reading Sun 25 1.00pm A Bristol City MAY Sat 1 3.00pm H Middlesbrough Tue 4 7.00pm H Rotherham United Sat 8 12.30pm A QPR
SHEA
FIXTURES 2020-21
• b
•
•
SLUGA
MONCUR
LOCKYER
REA
MPANZU
CLARK
COLLINS
KIOSO
ISTED
DEWSBURY-HALL
GALLOWAY
NOR'TON-DAVIES
NAISMITH
LUALUA
BREE
NOMBE
MORRELL
ADEBAYO
PEREIRA
BECKWITH
OSHO
INCE
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TOWN'S FIXTURES & RESULTS ONLINE
12
14
15
16
17
18
19 20
21
22
23
24
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
33
38
39
• •
• • b a • • c c • c c 1a c a •
• •
y c
• a
• • • b
1y
c • • e
1b b • a c • b • 1 d • b e •
d • •
• a r
• • d1
KEY:
•
1 y
a b
1 y
• b c
a d a
• b •
ye
d d
c 1
d b
•
• b
a a
y a ay
•
c
a b b c
b e •
c a •
a
• a a e
: Out on loan |
• b b a
y
c a •
• c
c
a a a
b
1 y a
•
b by c
• a b • a
• c • •
a
e • • • • •
3e * b
c a • b b 1y d
y
a ay •
•
1p
• a yc
• c •
y
y •
a 3p • 1 yc 1 • b c1 b • y a b •
y
•
y
y
y
• c d c b a
•
c a a c a y a 1
• 1 e
1
y
e ye d •
e
a d b a b
e
c c1 e
•
yd a
• • • • • c •
a b b
d1y a
c
d d • c d •
a d e d c a d •
a c d
1 y c • • • d c1
•
a
• • b
• d
• • b e • b • • d a • • • c
b •
b • • b e 1
• c
•
• • •
•
• •
a
b
c
d
e
L# O# GOAL TIMES
72 62 72 46 76 58
85 81 85 83 76 71
91 93 83 78
-
-
-
-
73 66 60 69 77 37
80 67 69 92 77 46
88 75 87 84 74
-
-
-
71 44 -
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
-
-
70 21 69,72 23,37 4,9,59,82
46 61 71 74 62 71 46 64
70 62 85 75 62 89 46 64
94 - - - - 15,19, 22,47 82 - - 70 - 2,89 - - - - 80 80 83 - - 20,29,66 75 86 86 - 66 52 91 - - - 46 65 77 - - 9,41,90 84 - - - - 17,61,68
58 77 34 64 46 64
74 83 77 64 60 72
74 83 87 65 61 88
83 46 68 75 46
87 - - - 64 64 73 83 83 83 83 84 84 46 - -
-
93 -
11,74 31 53,57 20,63,78 55,95 6,42, 50,58,86 64 12,43,73 3 23,42 83
79,81,83,95 71 24 34,52,87 44,88,92 35
81 - - - 30 83 - - - 39,89 87 - - 26 67 76 89 95 95 14 61 75 - - 11,17,30,74 88 - - - 85
• • e e 1d 1
b • c b c
72 70 30 68 64 46
• • • by c
a • d • • 1pb • c
• b • • a
81 46 45 81 71
85 - - 61 61 61 78 70 83 - 81 - - 76 76 - -
-
41 -
b b •
• • •
a
57 70 70 82 46 46 70 70 78 46 46 54 76 92
-
- 7,49 - 27,59,83 57 37,80,85,88
•
• •
•
a a b • •
SENT OFF
SUB TIMES
•
b a b
c c 1
: Left club | Team name colour: Carabao Cup Match | Team name colour: FA Cup Match
READING | 21.04.21 | KO 7.45PM
UP NEXT
LUTON TOWN PLAYER STATISTICS 2020-21 SEASON LEAGUE APPS
CAREER CUP
G
APPS
TOTAL G
APPS
CARDS
TOTAL
G
APPS
G
Elijah Adebayo
9
(3)
4
0
(0)
0
9
(3)
4
0
0
12
4
FORMED: 1871
Luke Berry
21
(8)
2
1
(2)
0
22
(10)
2
3
0
120
14
NICKNAME: THE ROYALS
Sonny Bradley
30
(1)
0
4
(0)
0
34
(1)
0
5
0
125
3
James Bree
10
(8)
1
3
(0)
0
13
(8)
1
0
0
63
1
Jordan Clark
20
(11)
1
3
(2)
2
23
(13)
3
1
0
36
3
James Collins
27
(9)
8
1
(1)
3
28
(10)
11
3
0
177
70
Harry Cornick
26
(9)
0
2
(1)
0
28
(10)
0
1
0
164
22
Martin Cranie
20
(3)
0
1
(1)
0
21
(4)
0
6
0
50
2
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
30
(3)
2
1
(0)
0
31
(3)
2
3
0
34
2
MANAGER: VELIJKO PAUNOVIC
Brendan Galloway
0
(0)
0
1
(0)
0
1
(0)
0
0
0
6
0
Danny Hylton
6
(10)
0
3
(0)
0
9
(10)
0
5
0
148
58
WHO?
Tom Ince
3
(4)
0
0
(0)
0
3
(4)
0
0
0
7
0
Peter Kioso
0
(0)
0
1
(1)
0
1
(1)
0
1
0
3
0
Elliot Lee
8
(4)
1
2
(2)
0
10
(6)
1
0
0
123
30
Tom Lockyer
18
(2)
0
3
(0)
0
21
(2)
0
0
0
23
0
Kazenga LuaLua
2
(16)
2
2
(3)
0
4
(19)
2
3
0
82
8
George Moncur
9
(9)
3
3
(1)
1
12
(10)
4
0
0
56
11
Joe Morrell
5
(5)
0
1
(0)
0
6
(5)
0
0
0
11
0
Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu
33
(5)
2
2
(0)
0
35
(5)
2
4
0
292
19
Kal Naismith
11
(5)
1
1
(0)
0
12
(5)
1
1
0
17
1
Sam Nombe
1
(9)
0
1
(0)
0
2
(9)
0
1
0
11
0
Rhys Norrington-Davies
16
(2)
0
3
(1)
0
19
(3)
0
2
0
22
0
Gabriel Osho
0
(0)
0
1
(0)
0
1
(0)
0
2
0
1
0
Matty Pearson
32
(2)
2
1
(0)
0
33
(2)
2
4
1
130
10
Dan Potts
19
(2)
1
1
(1)
0
20
(3)
1
2
0
173
11
Glen Rea
30
(4)
2
2
(0)
0
32
(4)
2
9
0
188
7
James Shea
7
(0)
0
3
(0)
0
10
(0)
0
1
0
85
0
Andrew Shinnie
0
(0)
0
2
(0)
0
2
(0)
0
0
0
106
10
Simon Sluga
33
(0)
0
2
(0)
0
35
(0)
0
0
0
69
0
Ryan Tunnicliffe
14
(7)
2
4
(0)
0
18
(7)
2
1
0
65
3
LAST SEASON: 4TH IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP TWITTER: @READINGFC COLOURS: BLUE & WHITE SHIRTS, WHITE SHORTS GROUND: MADEJSKI STADIUM
The Royals have spent the last seven seasons competing in the Championship following relegation from England’s top tier in 2013, qualifying for the play-offs once in 2017, resulting in a heart-breaking penalty defeat to Huddersfield Town. Reading’s last piece of silverware came in 2012 as they won the Championship title to earn promotion to the Premier League.
GROUND?
Reading opened the Madejski Stadium in 1998, replacing Elm Park which had been their home ground for over 100 years. The Royals’ home ground boasts a capacity of 24,161 and the Berkshire outfit have shared their ground with rugby union side London Irish since 2000.
HAVEN’T WE MET BEFORE?
The two sides last met in January for an FA Cup third round tie at Kenilworth Road. With both sides naming much changed teams amid a busy fixture list, it was George Moncur’s 30th minute strike that earned the Hatters a fourth round tie with Chelsea. In their Boxing Day league meeting, the Royals secured a 2-1 win with Luton being unable to mount a comeback despite Kazenga LuaLua’s late strike.
KNOWING ME, KNOWING YOU
Earlier this season the Hatters signed former Reading defender Gabriel Osho after he turned down the offer of a new deal with the Royals last summer. The the youngster is now out on loan with Rochdale after making his only Town appearance so far in January's FA Cup third round win over his former club at Kenilworth Road! Former Hatters full-back Jack Stacey signed for Luton from Reading in 2017, going on to win back-to-back promotions with the Town before moving to then Premier League side Bournemouth. Words: Dylan Bhundia
OUR TOWN | LUTON TOWN V WATFORD | 17.04.21 | PAGE 50
2020-21 CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE #
Team
Pl
W
D
L
F
A
GD
Pts
1
Norwich City
41
27
9
5
65
28
37
90
2
Watford
41
24
10
7
59
27
32
82
3
Swansea City
41
22
9
10
50
31
19
75
4
Brentford
40
20
13
7
71
40
31
73
5
Bournemouth
41
20
11
10
66
40
26
71
6
Barnsley
41
21
8
12
54
44
10
71
7
Reading
41
19
9
13
56
45
11
66
8
Cardiff City
41
16
11
14
57
45
12
59
9
Millwall
41
14
16
11
41
40
1
58
10
Middlesbrough
41
16
9
16
48
45
3
57
11
Queens Park Rangers
41
15
11
15
48
50
-2
56
12
Stoke City
41
14
13
14
45
46
-1
55
13
Luton Town
40
15
8
17
35
46
-11
53
14
Bristol City
41
15
5
21
40
55
-15
50
15
Nottingham Forest
41
12
13
16
34
39
-5
49
16
Preston North End
41
14
6
21
41
55
-14
48
17
Blackburn Rovers
41
12
11
18
52
47
5
47
18
Coventry City
41
11
12
18
37
56
-19
45
19
Birmingham City
41
11
12
18
31
50
-19
45
20
Huddersfield Town
41
11
11
19
43
62
-19
44
21
Derby County
41
11
10
20
30
46
-16
43
22
Rotherham United
39
11
6
22
41
53
-12
39
23
Sheffield Wednesday *
41
11
8
22
34
54
-20
35
24
Wycombe Wanderers
41
8
9
24
30
64
-34
33
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 SIMON SLUGA GEORGE MONCUR GLEN REA PELLY-RUDDOCK MPANZU JORDAN CLARK JAMES COLLINS KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL KAL NAISMITH KAZENGA LUALUA JAMES BREE SAM NOMBE JOE MORRELL ELIJAH ADEBAYO DION PEREIRA AVAN JONES SAM BECKWITH JAKE PECK COREY PANTER TOM INCE
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 12 14 16 17 18 19 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 35 39
XISCO MUNOZ
01 03 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 31 32 33
BEN FOSTER JEREMY NGAKIA WILLIAM TROOST-EKONG BEN WILMOT PHILLIP ZINCKERNAGEL TOM CLEVERLEY TROY DEENEY JOAO PEDRO ADAM MASINA KEN SEMA NATHANIEL CHALOBAH CRAIG CATHCART DAN GOSLING ACHRAF LAZAAR ANDRE GRAY WILL HUGHES KIKO FEMENIA ISAAC SUCCESS ISMAILA SARR TOM DELE-BASHIRU STIPE PERICA DANIEL BACHMANN CHRISTIAN KABASELE CARLOS SANCHEZ FRANCISCO SIERRALTA MARC NAVARRO ROB ELLIOT
MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE - GAVIN WARD | ASSISTANT REFEREE 1 - MICHAEL GEORGE ASSISTANT REFEREE 2 - BHUPINDER GILL | FOURTH OFFICIAL - SAM ALLISON