More stories

  • in

    Barnsley 0 Sheffield Wednesday 1: Josh Windass heads in dramatic late winner as Owls seal Championship return in final

    JOSH WINDASS followed in the footsteps of his dad Dean to become a Wembley play-off hero after shooting Sheffield Wednesday into the Championship.The midfielder clinched victory with a 123rd-minute diving header to break 10-man Barnsley’s hearts — after getting on the end of Lee Gregory’s cross.
    Sheffield Wednesday are back in the Championship after a 1-0 playoff final win over BarnsleyCredit: Rex
    Darren Moore followed up the Peterborough comeback with a stunning promotion winCredit: Getty
    Josh Windass scored a dramatic 123rd minute winner at WembleyCredit: Getty
    Windass’ dramatic winner sparked wild celebrations from the OwlsCredit: Getty
    Club legend Barry Bannan was overcome with emotion at the final whistleCredit: Getty
    It comes 15 years after dad Windass Snr, 54, scored Hull’s winner against Bristol City to seal promotion to the Premier League.
    Windass, 29, was embraced on the pitch at the end by his old man before he climbed the Wembley steps to hold aloft the League One play-off trophy.
    And his proud dad said: “It’s incredible, absolutely incredible. I told him before the game he’d get the winner. I can’t believe he actually headed it. Wow.
    “I’m the proudest man in the world. I have no words. 
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “I can’t believe it. He loves his football and has sacrificed his life for it since he was two years old.”
    There were just FIVE SECONDS left of the three allotted three minutes of stoppages ref Tim Robinson had added.
    For Wednesday, it was another glorious moment in their illustrious 155-year history as they returned to the Championship.
    They had laboured against the 10 men of Barnsley after Adam Phillips was sent off four minutes into the second half and were lucky not to concede a penalty after Gregory hacked down Liam Kitching.
    Most read in EFL
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    Windass headed home with the last touch of the League One play-off final against BarnsleyCredit: Getty
    Wednesday fans were over the moon as they narrowly avoided a dreaded penalty shootoutCredit: PA
    Windass’ teammates were delighted to have secured a return to the second tierCredit: Getty
    Windass will got down in the history books at WednesdayCredit: Reuters
    Lee Gregory fell to his knees as the whistle blewCredit: Reuters
    But they came up with a moment of quality when it mattered most.
    Yet, for Michael Duff’s side, it was cruel. They were the better team, should have had that spot kick and not been reduced to 10 men.
    But Wednesday deserved promotion. Their 96 points would have normally been enough to go up automatically — but for the brilliance of champions Plymouth and runners-up Ipswich.
    And then to overcome a 4-0 deficit against Peterborough after their semi-final play-off first leg to go on to win promotion is the stuff of fairytales.
    Boss Darren Moore said: “It goes to show the impossible can be achieved with great belief, understanding, it’s a fairytale story.
    “I’m pleased for this club because we can now prepare for the Championship with the huge fan base we’ve got so we make the right decisions internally to compete and be successful.
    “This is a special and delightful moment to help this club back up. It shows when everyone comes together what can be achieved. It’s been a long journey but one that was worthwhile.”
    But you have to feel for Barnsley. All the EFL play-off finals had the benefit of VAR — but you must wonder what is the point when they cannot spot obvious mistakes.
    It was heartache for Barnley at the final whistleCredit: Getty
    Fans couldn’t believe the dramatic late blowCredit: PA
    Barnsley will be spending another season in League OneCredit: Rex
    Wednesday toasted their accomplishment by lifting the playoff final trophyCredit: Rex
    Manager Moore will be hoping to prevent instant relegation next seasonCredit: Rex
    The penalty incident, in particular, was baffling. 
    Barnsley boss Michael Duff groaned: “It’s a cruel game.
    “I’ve had enough messages on my phone to tell me the decisions were wrong. I spoke to Jobi Morris and Clinton Morrison at half time and they both said it was a penalty and not a red card.
    “That adds to the frustration. I thought the red card was a booking, there was no malice or intent.  
    “And we’ve also not had a penalty all season and to not get one in the biggest game of all is a bug bear. You would’ve thought VAR would eradicate these things.
    ‘I thought we would’ve grown stronger with 10 men. It was their players who were going down with cramp.
    “There were a lot of tears. They are a young group and sometimes you must learn the hard way.”
    Kitching deflected a Nicky Cadden volley on to the bar with his head for Barnsley while Wednesday keeper Cameron Dawson made top stops from Cadden and James Norwood.
    Tykes keeper Harry Isted produced superb saves to keep out Dominic Iorfa and Bannan.
    Read More on The Sun
    But Luca Connell missed a sitter for Barnsley just six yards out before Will Vaulks thought he had won it for Wednesday before celebrations were ended by an offside flag.
    Then came the Windass show … and Wednesday are back in the Championship. More

  • in

    Huddersfield want to bring back boss Neil Warnock, 74, as they reveal back-up option if he decides to retire again

    HUDDERSFIELD want to bring back boss Neil Warnock — but the veteran will consult his family first.Owner-in-waiting Kevin Nagle admires the way Warnock, 74, helped Terriers stay in the Championship.
    Neil Warnock did a brilliant job to keep Huddersfield upCredit: Getty
    But the far-travelled manager had a health scare that prompted him to cancel dates on his personal tour.
    If Warnock is ruled out, Huddersfield will go for Barnsley’s Michael Duff.
    The Tykes take on Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow in the League One play-off final.
    Warnock was given a guard of honour by his own players after keeping Huddersfield up.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL
    Chatting to SunSport’s Justin Allen last month, Warnock revealed what makes the likes of Pep Guardiola successful.
    He said: “It used to be the fashion to have older managers and then the trend moved to younger coaches.
    “They talk about tactics, formations and what have you — yet 95 percent of this job is and always will be man-management.
    “Pep Guardiola knows what he’s doing but the biggest thing he does is get the players to believe in what he says. That’s why he’s successful.”
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    On the trend of experienced bosses getting the chop mid-season, he added: “You just need an older head sometimes. I look at some of the decisions clubs make and who they’ve appointed as a caretaker.
    “I’m thinking ‘This is silly.’ Anyone who has a clue about football knows it’s not going to be a success. It baffles me.
    “That’s why there’ll always be a job for me every February, March and April if I keep my health.” More

  • in

    Premier League new boys target transfer for Nottingham Forest outcast who’s playing on loan under Wayne Rooney

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST outcast Lewis O’Brien is back on the radar of Premier League new boys Sheffield United.The Blades were keen on landing the midfield dynamo in January’s window but were unable to sign players due to a transfer embargo.
    Sheffield United want to sign O’Brien from Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
    O’Brien, 24, currently on loan at Wayne Rooney’s DC United in the MLS, is likely to be surplus to requirements again when he returns to Forest in July.
    They would consider a loan or permanent deal — with the only snag being whether to deal with a direct rival.
    Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom has a reduced transfer budget despite promotion back to the top flight.
    Saudi owner Prince Abdullah is trying to bolster his kitty by getting additional financial backing from allies in the Middle East.
    Read More on Football
    O’Brien signed for Nottingham Forest in a £10million transfer from Huddersfield last summer.
    The midfielder made 15 appearances during his first five months at the City Ground before falling out of favour with Steve Cooper.
    He joined MLS side DC United on a four-month loan in March and has since registered one goal and one assist in 10 games.
    O’Brien was quick to praise Rooney upon his arrival in Washington.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    He told DC United’s official website: “It’s massive, if you look back at my career I’ve played against him a few times as well.
    “We’ve had a few jokes about it. I know people that he’s managed previously back at Derby and stuff and it’s a perfect opportunity for me.
    “He played in a similar position that I play in and I think he’s going to make everyone he coaches a much better footballer.”
    Three MLS clubs – not including DC United – have expressed an interest in signing O’Brien in recent months.
    New York City, Columbus Crew and Atlanta United were keen on the prospect of signing him earlier this year. More

  • in

    Luton manager Rob Edwards breaks down in tears as he speaks about Tom Lockyer injury after Hatters’ dramatic promotion

    ROB EDWARDS broke down in tears while speaking about Tom Lockyer’s injury during the Championship play-off final.Luton Town managed earn their spot in next season’s Premier League after beating Coventry on penalties.

    Rob Edwards was in tears when talking about Tom LockyerCredit: SKY SPORTS
    Lockyer was stretchered off the pitch after collapsingCredit: PA
    His team-mates paid tribute during their celebrationsCredit: Alamy
    He celebrated the win from his hospital roomCredit: INSTAGRAM
    However, the Hatters had to do so without the club captain after he collapsed in the first half.
    And after the game manager Edwards was visibly emotional when talking about the defender.
    He told Sky Sports: “I can’t speak highly enough of him, really pleased he is okay.
    “He has been immense for us this season and health is the most important thing, more important than football and this.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “I don’t care right now until he is alright, I think a few of the lads have spoken to him and that is really good.
    “That is where my head is at right now.”
    After he went down in the first half, Lockyer was treated by both club’s medical teams.
    He received oxygen as he was stretchered to the medical room at Wembley Stadium, where his parents joined him.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Lockyer was then taken to hospital for further tests.
    Steven Lockyer, the Welshman’s father, confirmed that he was doing well after the game as he uploaded a picture of him celebrating after the penalty shootout.
    As the game continued, Jordan Clark put the Hatters in the lead in the 23rd minute before Gustavo Hamer’s second half effort forced the game to extra time.
    Joe Taylor thought he had won it late on but his goal was ruled out for handball leading to the shootout.
    Both sides went perfectly until Coventry’s Fankaty Dabo blasted over, leading to Luton Town’s victory.
    Lockyer’s team-mates paid tribute to their captain by holding up a shirt with his name on it during their celebrations. More

  • in

    Tom Lockyer celebrates Luton promotion wildly from hospital bed after scary on-pitch collapse as dad gives health update

    TOM LOCKYER celebrated Luton Town’s Championship play-off final win from his hospital bed.The club captain was stretchered off the pitch early in the first half after appearing to collapse.
    Tom Lockyer celebrated Luton’s playoff win from hospitalCredit: TWITTER
    He had been stretchered off in the first halfCredit: Alamy
    The players paid tribute to their absent captainCredit: Getty
    But after the Hatters won the clash by beating Coventry after a penalty shootout, Lockyer was still able to celebrate.
    His dad, Steve, shared an incredible photo from the hospital room that he was in at the moment Luton won.
    Steve then gave a positive update on his son’s health.
    He wrote: “Tom’s Dad here. Tom is ok.
    READ MORE ON LUTON TOWN
    “Very happy but so sad he can’t be there with his team-mates. Here is the moment…….”
    And fans loved the update as one wrote: “Fantastic and the most important news, wishing him well, congratulations!”
    A second said: “Great to see that Tom is doing ok. I’m absolutely buzzing for him and can’t wait to see him in the Premier League next season, amazing!”
    While a third added: “Great to see the joy. Thoughts are with the Lockyer family still, even in this moment of joy. Get well soon!”
    Most read in Football
    Lockyer later posted the same pic to his own Instagram with a touching tribute to the medical staff and his team-mates.
    He wrote: “Well not quite where I thought I’d be celebrating at the final whistle!
    “I would just like to say a massive thank you to the amazing physios and doctors at @ltfc_official and Wembley for the swift and thorough response.
    “A much scarier moment for everyone else than myself I am sure!
    “Commiserations to @coventrycityfcofficial a fantastic opponent over 3 games which had to be decided by penalties.
    “I am currently in hospital under precaution and will stay here overnight for further tests in the morning.
    “I am feeling very much myself, helped by the way the lads left it all out on pitch! It’s such an honour to be part of this team.. premier league baby.” 
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Both teams’ medical staff attended to Lockyer after collapsing off the ball on the Wembley pitch.
    He was then given oxygen but was conscious as he was stretchered to the medical room at the Stadium.
    It was later confirmed that he was with his parents before being taken to hospital for further tests.
    As the game continued, Jordan Clark put the Hatters in the lead in the 23rd minute before Gustavo Hamer’s second half effort forced the game to extra time.
    Read More on The Sun
    Joe Taylor thought he had won it late on but his goal was ruled out for handball leading to the shootout.
    Both sides went perfectly until Coventry’s Fankaty Dabo blasted over, leading to Luton Town’s victory. More

  • in

    Coventry 1 Luton 1 (5-6 pens) – Championship play-off final LIVE RESULT: Tom Lockyer latest as Hatters promoted

    LUTON TOWN have been promoted to the Premier League after a dramatic penalty shootout at Wembley.Jordan Clark gave the Hatters an early lead with a stunning finish just after 20 minutes.
    But Gustavo Hamer put Coventry on level terms to take the tie into extra time.
    After eleven perfect penalties from both sides, Fankaty Dabo missed in sudden death for the Sky Blues granting promotion to Luton.

    MATCH RESULT: Coventry 1-1 Luton (5-6 PENS) – Luton (P)
    Coventry XI: Wilson, Bidwell, Doyle, McFadzean, McNally, Norton-Cuffy, Sheaf, Kelly, Hamer, Allen, Gyokeres
    Luton XI: Hovarth, Drameh, Osho, Lockyer, Bell, Doughty, Ruddock, Nakamba, Clark, Morris, Adebayo

    UNIBET SIGN UP OFFER: GET £40 BACK AS CASH IF YOUR FIRST BET LOSES
    Stay up to date with all the action from Wembley…
    ‘I’ve completed football’
    Luton legend Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu joked he has “completed football” after winning promotion to the Premier League.
    It is the fourth promotion Ruddock has achieved with Luton in their meteoric rise up the football pyramid.
    Ruddock, 29, was part of Luton’s National League championship-winning side in 2013 and has been a keystone figure ever since.
    After beating Coventry the midfielder joked he is going to retire after achieving a feat no other player has managed – promotion from every division in the EFL as well as the National League with one club.
    He told Sky Sports: “I think I’ve completed football, I think I’ll retire.
    “It’s been a journey, I’ve been through the highs and the lows but at the end of the day you’ve got to believe in yourself.
    “And here I am, a Premier League player with these boys and the fans. I told you we were going to do it. It’s going to be a party all summer in Luton.”
    Luton hero’s hilarious message
    Luton hero Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu sent an incredible message to team-mate Tom Lockyer after the defender watched promotion glory in hospital following his scary collapse at Wembley.
    Lockyer’s recovery followed initial fears from fans and players a couple of hours earlier as medics from both teams treated him on the pitch.
    And the 28-year-old’s improvement sparked relief from his squad plus a cheeky demand from Mpanzu as Luton sealed a Premier League return.
    The midfielder joked: “Get off your hospital bed and join us at the party.”
    Edwards tears
    Rob Edwards broke down in tears while speaking about Tom Lockyer’s injury during the Championship play-off final.
    Luton Town managed earn their spot in nest season’s Premier League after beating Coventry on penalties.
    However, the Hatters had to do so without the club captain after he collapsed in the first half.
    And after the game manager Edwards was visibly emotional when talking about the defender.
    He told Sky Sports: “I can’t speak highly enough of him, really pleased he is okay.”
    Lockyer celebrates
    Tom Lockyer celebrated Luton Town’s Championship play-off final win from his hospital bed.
    The club captain was stretchered off the pitch early in the first half after appearing to collapse.

    But after the Hatters won the clash by beating Coventry after a penalty shootout, Lockyer was still able to celebrate.
    His dad, Steve, shared an incredible photo from the hospital room that he was in at the moment Luton won.
    Steve then gave a positive update on his son’s health.
    He wrote: “Tom’s Dad here. Tom is ok.
    “Very happy but so sad he can’t be there with his team-mates. Here is the moment…….”
    Luton Town are Premier League
    From 30-point deductions, financial perils and four seasons in non-league, Luton Town are back in the big time.

    Are you watching, Watford?
    A penny for the thoughts of those at Vicarage Road.
    The Hornets plucked Rob Edwards from Forest Green last summer, but dispensed with him just ten games into his reign.
    Two months later, he pitched up at fierce rivals Luton and has repaid them by leading them to the promised land of the Premier League.

    Midfielder Mpanzu completes football
    An emotional Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu insists he has has completed football after winning promotion to the Premier League.
    The 29-year-old midfielder has been with Luton since their non-league days, and will now have the chance to play with them at all four levels of the professional pyramid.
    I feel like I’ve completed football. I should retire now. But I’m going to come back as a Premier League player.Pelly-Ruddock MpanzuSky Sports

    A tip of the Hat
    Luton Town have become the first club in English football history to go all the way from the top-flight to non-league and come back again.
    The club that were mixing in the National League with the likes of Tamworth, Alfreton Town, and Hayes and Yeading will now play against Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City.

    Fankaty Dabo misses!
    LUTON TOWN WIN PROMOTION TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE!
    The Coventry defender blazes high over the crossbar and into the ecstatic Luton Town fans behind the goal.
    Coventry 5-6 Luton

    Dan Potts scores!
    The Luton substitute rolls his left-footer into the bottom corner with Ben Wilson heading in the other direction.
    Coventry 5-6 Luton
    Liam Kelly scores!
    So cooly done from the Coventry captain!
    Ten perfect penalties, we go to sudden death.
    Coventry 5-5 Luton
    Luke Berry scores!
    Ben Wilson goes the right way, but can’t get near the right-footed strike.
    Coventry 4-5 Luton
    Josh Eccles scores!
    Right footed! No chance, Ethan Horvath.
    Coventry 4-4 Luton
    Jordan Clark scores!
    It nestles into the side netting, neatly inside the left post.
    Coventry 3-4 Luton
    Ben Sheaf scores!
    Another fine penalty, pulled into the top left corner.
    Who will blink first?
    Coventry 3-3 Luton
    Marvelous Nakamba scores!
    Cooly done. Left footed, low, into the bottom right corner.
    Coventry 2-3 Luton
    Viktor Gyokeres scores!
    He slams it home, high and emphatically.
    Coventry 2-2 Luton
    Joe Taylor scores!
    And this one does count! Wilson goes the right way, but can’t get near it.
    Coventry 1-2 Luton
    Matt Godden scores!
    Brilliantly taken! The forward fires into the right corner.
    Coventry 1-1 Luton
    Carlton Morris scores!
    He sends Ben Wilson the wrong way and he cooly slots home.
    Coventry 0-1 Luton
    Spot the difference
    The two sets of players – those remaining on the pitch in any case – are being drilled by their coaches and squad mates.
    Meanwhile, the captains meet with Michael Oliver for two coin tosses.
    The first goes Luton’s way, and the kicks will be taken at the orange end of Wembley.
    The second is also won by the Hatters, and they will go first in the shootout.
    The two goalkeepers – Ben Wilson and Ethan Horvath – also get a lecture from the referee, and their actions will be closely scrutinised.
    Here we go as Carlton Morris approaches…
    Full time – Coventry 1-1 Luton
    The 2022-23 Championship play-off final will be settled by penalties.
    Coventry 1-1 Luton
    120. Jonathan Panzo is the luckiest person inside Wembley – and he knows it.
    There will be two minutes of additional time to be played.
    Coventry 1-1 Luton
    118. I doubt there have ever been so many nervous faces in the one place.
    You could cut the tension with a knife.
    Coventry 1-1 Luton
    116. LUTON HAVE WON IT!!!
    Or have they?!
    Joe Taylor dispossesses a slack Jonathan Panzo, and races through to fire through the legs of Ben Wilson.
    The orange half of Wembley erupts, but within seconds those celebrations are tempered.
    Quickly the word comes through from VAR that the young forward used his arm to control before going on to score.
    Michael Oliver signals the goal will not stand, and the Coventry fans react as if they’ve won promotion.

    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Coventry 1 Luton 1 (5-6 pens): Hatters win £170m match in dramatic fashion to reach Premier League for first time ever

    LUTON have reached the Premier League for the first time in their history after poor Coventry sub Fankaty Dabo blinked first in a penalty shoot-out.The game had finished 1-1 after Gus Hamer’s second-half equaliser for the Sky Blues chalked off Jordan Clark’s blast.
    The moment Luton secured promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    Fankaty Dabo misses the deciding penaltyCredit: PA
    Dan Potts celebrates as Dabo holds his head in his handsCredit: PA
    Jordan Clark opened the scoring for LutonCredit: Getty
    Gustavo Hamer restored parity after half-timeCredit: PA
    Joe Taylor thought he had won it late on in extra-timeCredit: Getty
    Luton thought they had won it when sub Joe Taylor netted with four minutes of extra-time to go but it was ruled out by VAR for handball.
    To penalties it went, with the first 11 takers all scoring until luckless Dabo blazed high and wide.
    The Hatters have not been in the top flight since 1992 – the year before the Prem was introduced – when they were relegated under David Pleat.
    But they hit the jackpot on a scorching hot day at Wembley, taking the £170million prize that comes with triumphing in the Championship play-off final in the most dramatic way possible.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    They did it for the most part as well without captain Tom Lockyer, who was carried off on a stretcher inside 12 minutes after collapsing on the pitch in worrying scenes and was sent to hospital.
    The Welsh international was thankfully reported to be responsive and talking, and he would have been immensely proud of his team in his absence.
    It means the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal will all be heading next term to Kenilworth Road, a ground that was hosting non-league football a decade ago.
    The remarkable journey has not come without its setbacks, and they had a deeply concerning one here to contend with when Lockyer stumbled to the turf.
    Most read in EFL
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    He received on-field medical treatment before he was taken off on a stretcher and given gas and air in the tunnel.
    The 28-year-old’s worried parents rushed down to see him in the medical room before he was taken to hospital for more tests, but thankfully was said to be responsive and talking.
    Yet Luton impressively kept their composure and deservedly took the lead with 23 minutes played.
    The goal itself was a combination of the route-one cliche of lower league football and the high-skill level that it actually often is.
    It began with a huge whack up the field from Alfie Doughty but there was nothing rudimentary about what Elijah Adebayo did with the ball when he received it.
    The Fulham academy graduate showed some clever footwork to bamboozle Kyle McFadzean before teeing up Clark who smashed home at the near post.
    Sky Blues defender Luke McNally summed up his side’s first half when he carelessly passed the ball out of play.
    Luton had the ball in the back of the net again with four minutes to the break but again it was chalked off.
    Callum Doyle tried to clear when Doughty had seen a shot blocked, but the Coventry defender’s hack away smashed into Adebayo’s hand and went in.
    To be fair to Luton’s tricky No11, he instantly fessed up and a free-kick was given.
    Coventry had to respond and Robins decided to bring on striker Matty Godden at half-time for Jamie Allen at the break.
    The sea of Sky Blue supporters cranked up the noise and they were rewarded with a terrific equaliser on 66 minutes.
    A rapid counter-attack saw Viktor Gyokeres set away down the left and the Swede had the presence of mind to cut it back for Hamer, whose first-time strike found the corner.
    Suddenly it was Coventry in the ascendancy and Godden, who had brought some much-needed urgency, had his head in his hands after blazing over.
    Robins’ men were dealt an injury blow of their own as Hamer was forced off after landing awkwardly following an aerial battle, and full-time blew with the score at 1-1.
    Coventry fans breathed a huge sigh of relief nine minutes into the first half of extra-time when Clark went down in the box as keeper Ben Wilson rushed out.
    But ref Michael Oliver deemed it a dive and promptly booked Clark, who had taken the armband from stricken Lockyer.
    Luton thought they had won it late on when Jonathan Panzo’s horror mistake let in Taylor, who found the back of the net.
    Read More on The Sun
    But VAR correctly spotted Taylor had handled in the build-up and it was chalked off, sparking a huge roar from the blue half of Wembley.
    To spot-kicks it went, and every single taker was clinical until poor Dabo, the 12th taker with Luton leading 6-5, missed the target by some way. More

  • in

    Tom Lockyer given oxygen as Luton & Coventry medics rush to help him off on stretcher after collapse in play-off final

    TOM LOCKYER has had a heartbreaking end to the Championship play-off final.The Luton Town star was stretched off the pitch just 12 minutes into the clash against Coventry.
    Tom Lockyer appeared to collapse during the play off finalCredit: AFP
    Lockyer, 28, was running back and appeared to trip over away from the ball and then stayed down.
    The Welshman then received attention from medical staff from both clubs before being stretched off the pitch.
    As he was carried off, he was given oxygen by the medical teams and was conscious as he was taken through the tunnel.
    He was taken to a medical room at Wembley Stadium and was with his parents.
    READ MORE ON LUTON TOWN
    The defender was substituted with former West Ham academy product Reece Burke coming on in his place for Luton.
    During the second half, it was announced that he had left the stadium and was taken to hospital for further tests while still conscious.
    And plenty of fans were concerned for the defender on social media.
    One tweeted: “Not sure what happened with Tom Lockyer but this looked pretty scary.”
    Most read in Football
    He was stretchered after being helped by both clubs’ medical teamsCredit: PA
    A second wrote: “That’s really scary.”
    A third said: “I hope he’s okay, very very scary.”
    While a fourth added: “I do hope the lads ok.”
    Luton Town released a statement confirming Lockyer’s condition.
    It read: “We are able to report that after collapsing on the pitch, Tom Lockyer has been taken to hospital for further tests.
    “He is responsive and talking to his family, who are with him.
    “We are all with you, Locks.”
    Lockyer had thought he had scored earlier in the game, only to see the goal ruled out for an offside by VAR.
    Read More on The Sun
    Luton and Coventry are playing for a spot in the Premier League next season.
    The two sides reached the final after beating Middlesborough and Sunderland in the play-off semi-finals respectively. More