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      Dave Kidd: Nobody should be laughing at Luton… Man City going to Kenilworth Road is what makes English football great

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      LUTON TOWN’S chief executive Gary Sweet has just presided over a phenomenal piece of sporting sorcery, so he clearly doesn’t get much wrong.But the newest arrival at the Premier League’s top table made one mistake before the Hatters won the Championship play-off final and became the first club to complete the journey from the English top flight to non-league football and back again.
      Fans flocked to the streets for Luton’s promotion paradeCredit: EPA
      Luton completed their miraculous climb from non-league to the Premier League with victory over CoventryCredit: Getty
      Sweet said he was ‘annoyed’ about the apparent widespread mockery of Luton’s Kenilworth Road home.
      You know, the one where you enter the away end between two terraced houses and look down over a row of Coronation Street-style backyards as you go to the seats with barely enough legroom to accommodate a mob of oompa-loompa ultras.
      I went there last season. You can’t sit down.
      You can see the neighbouring washing lines but you can’t see much of the pitch. It was brilliant.
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      That isn’t sneering laughter Sweet is hearing — it’s joy, admiration and respect. It’s wonderment at the nature of the English football pyramid.
      It’s nostalgia for a time when many top-flight grounds were hemmed in by modest working-class homes and were literally a part of their communities.
      It’s amazement that matches from Kenilworth Road will be beamed across the planet from our supposedly shiny, sanitised ‘greed-is-good’ league.
      If there is any laughter at all, then it’s aimed at the Big Six, who signed up for a breakaway European Super League, thinking they were too big and important to play the likes of Luton, but will be getting their eardrums battered there next season.
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      Sweet noted that Erling Haaland won’t be entering Kenilworth Road through that away supporters entrance, but through ‘the other s**t entrance we have’. And, seeing as he mentioned Manchester City’s goal machine, let’s compare and contrast their two clubs.
      Well in 2008, Sheikh Mansour took over City just as Luton, who were about to start a League Two campaign with a 30-point deduction, were installing their new chairman — former Good Morning Britain presenter Nick Owen.
      Mansour, it’s safe to say, never shared a sofa with Roland Rat while wearing a wide range of pastel knitwear. But neither was he a lifelong fan of his club, like Owen is.
      You can see the neighbouring washing lines but you can’t see much of the pitch. It was brilliant.Dave Kidd
      Back in 2008, though, Luton had won a major trophy — the League Cup — only 20 years previously. City had been waiting for 12 years longer.
      And in 1983, Raddy Antic scored a dramatic final-day winner at Maine Road to save the Hatters, and relegate City from the top flight, provoking boss David Pleat to cavort across the pitch in a beige suit.
      These two clubs are part of the same ecosystem and next season they will compete at the same level again — just nine years after Luton played non-league football against Hyde United and Alfreton Town.
      City have won five titles in six years but their supporters might feel a hint of envy when they face Luton.
      Their filthy-rich club may have trophies galore but Luton have authenticity and soul. They are owned and run by genuine supporters, like Sweet and Owen, who stepped down as chairman in 2017.
      Kenilworth Road will be a shock to away Premier League players and fans next seasonCredit: Reuters
      There are no concerns about sports-washing or human-rights abuses or FFP breaches. Luton’s squad cost £5.5million in transfer fees and their wage bill was one of the smallest in the Championship.
      When they beat Coventry at Wembley on Saturday, the human interest stories were numerous.
      Captain Tom Lockyer watching the penalty shootout from hospital after collapsing on the pitch.
      Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu ‘completing football’ having risen from the National League with the club.
      Manager Rob Edwards, churned out of the great Watford managerial sausage machine after just 11 matches, achieving promotion with their most bitter rivals. And club legend Mick Harford — a lovely bloke, miscast as an old-school hardman and currently suffering from prostate cancer — dissolving into tears after promotion was clinched.
      But while Luton’s story is unique, it is only just about unique.
      Coventry have survived ruinous ownership and homelessness to fight back from the fourth tier to the brink of the Premier League.
      It’s amazement that matches from Kenilworth Road will be beamed across the planet from our supposedly shiny, sanitised ‘greed-is-good’ league.Dave Kidd
      And next season, Luton will face Brighton, Bournemouth and Fulham, who have all flirted with relegation to non-league football since the Premier League was founded.
      They will also face Brentford, whose marvellous relic of an old ground Griffin Park, with a pub on all four corners, only missed out on staging top-flight football by one season.
      There are limits to what can be achieved. Luton will not be fighting City for the title but then the Bees have just completed a league double over the Treble-hunters.
      Brilliantly-run clubs can still thrive, supporters can still dream, Sweet can rub shoulders with the Sheikhs of east Manchester and Geordie Arabia.
      Luton intend to move to a new stadium before long and, while that makes sense, their departure from Kenilworth Road will be a sad day.
      Read More on The Sun
      In the meantime, Sweet doesn’t need any chip on his shoulder regarding his club’s historic home.
      Nobody is laughing at Luton. But plenty of us are smiling with them. More

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      Walk through incredible away entrance at Luton as Premier League newcomers are set to become everyone’s favourite team

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      AWAY fans heading to Luton next season are in for a treat – and already loving the throwback stadium.The Hatters earned promotion to the Premier League for the first time with their dramatic play-off penalties win over Coventry at Wembley.
      Fans heading to Luton are in for a classic treatCredit: https://twitter.com/FootyHumour
      The away end requires fans to go through housesCredit: https://twitter.com/FootyHumour
      They overlook gardens which back on to Kenilworth RoadCredit: https://twitter.com/FootyHumour
      It is a far cry from the likes of the Etihad and Tottenham StadiumCredit: https://twitter.com/FootyHumour
      It means their incredible Kenilworth Road home will welcome Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham who are used to the glitz and glam of their respective grounds.
      The tiny Luton stadium, opened in 1905, has a capacity of just 10,356.
      And because it is right in the heart of the Bedfordshire town, the ground is sandwiched between houses.
      So some of the entrances require fans to go through turnstiles under local residents’ bedrooms and bathrooms.
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      And a video taken by one away fan shows the journey visitors go through to head up the outside stairs.
      They overlook the back of a row of houses and gardens before heading into the top of the stand.
      And supporters are relishing the chance to make the same walk in the new season – before the new 23,000-seater stadium is built.
      One said: “Honestly, rather this than some of the Marvel spaceship-esque stadiums that have been built.”
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      Another wrote: “This is excellent, far too many sterile identikit grounds on the edge of town, two fingers up at the pristine made for tv show. Humble, shabby, and loved.”
      A third added: “Old school, I like it.”
      And a final user said: “New favourite team,” with plenty of others certainly rooting for Rob Edwards’ side to succeed in the top flight.
      Abdul Ali, a resident in the Victorian red brick terraced houses on Oak Road, revealed there are certainly some pros and cons of living so close to the stadium.
      He told SunSport: “I’ve lived here my whole life. Until about seven years ago it was really easy to see into the stadium.
      “We used to have footballs smashing our window every so often when they accidentally got kicked out when teams tried to score.
      “It was kind of annoying at the time, it used to drive my dad mad.
      “We complained and complained and the club finally put up netting and some corrugated iron to stop it.
      “It means that my view of the pitch is gone unless I jump up and down on my bed. Then I can see a little bit of the grass, but not enough to watch the game.”
      Neighbour Anu said: “My son’s bedroom in the attic enables him to see a bit of the ground so he can sometimes see the games.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Luton’s promotion in the £200million match does come at a cost, though.
      The Hatters will need to stump up £10m to upgrade their home in order to comply with Premier League broadcasting and facility requirements.
      Fans turn into the stand behind the goalCredit: https://twitter.com/FootyHumour
      The Oak Stand is literally in between houses on the streetCredit: Getty
      The stand backs on to the gardens behind the terraced homesCredit: Reuters More

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

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      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.
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      “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.
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      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

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

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      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

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      ‘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.

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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

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      Coventry 0 Luton 0 – Championship play-off final LIVE SCORE: Lockyer forced off for Hatters early on – TV, stream

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      COVENTRY’S mouthwatering clash with Luton in the Championship play-off final at Wembley is underway RIGHT NOW.Both clubs were in League Two in the 2017/18 season and Luton were remarkably a non-league club just a decade ago.
      But now they find themselves in football’s richest game – said to be worth around £200m in future revenues to the winners – as they prepare to battle it out for a place in next season’s Premier League.

      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Football
      Live stream: NOW
      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

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      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      22. Mpanzu unleashes another Luton effort on goal, but it’s straight at Wilson.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      20. Chance for Morris!
      Coventry give the ball away continuously as Luton press, and it eventually leads to Drameh delivering from the right.
      Moving across Kelly, Morris gets a foot on the ball to bring it down and then fires over via a deflection off the recovering defender.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      18. It’s fair to say that the game is yet to settle into anything resembling quality – but how much of that was to do with the concerning incident involving Lockyer is hard to ascertain.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      16. Luton win another set-piece upfield, and a huge roar goes up from their fans.
      They certainly feel it’s an area where this game can be won.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      14. Both set of players seem nervous following that break in play.
      First, Adebayo puts the ball behind for a corner unnecessarily, and then on the break, McFadzean fails to deal with a long ball, and Morris pokes his shot wide.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton – Luton substitution
      12. Lockyer is stretched from the field to applause from all around Wembley including the Coventry fans and management.
      Reece Burke is the player thrown on as the captain’s replacement, and now these Luton players – visibly emotional by the incident – have to compose themselves to continue.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      10. This is all the more worrying than initially feared.
      It is understood that Lockyer went down with no player in his immediate vicinity.
      The players have been ushered away so that the medical staff can treat the player.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      8. Now it’s Luton’s turn to be concerned.
      Their inspirational captain Tom Lockyer has gone down, and the immediate fear is that he’s not going to be able to continue.
      The stricken centre-back is surrounded by a host of medical staff as well as his teammates, while on the touchline manager Rob Edwards is being forced into quick decisions.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      6. It’s an immediate escape for Coventry, who have had an early indication of the threat Luton carry at set-pieces.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      5. The ball is in the net – but it’s not going to count!
      Lockyer’s stopping header from the corner is forced over the line by Osho.
      However, the Luton defender had stepped beyond Norton-Cuffy as his captain connected with the first effort on goal.
      Offside is the call, and it’s the correct one.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      4. Lockyer launches a free-kick from his own half towards the Coventry penalty area, and then pounce on the second, third and fourth ball with the opposing defence all of a panic.
      It results in the game’s first corner.
      Coventry 0-0 Luton
      2. Is this an early glimpse of what we should expect? Coventry begin with some patient play around the back before Luton launch with an up and at ’em approach.
      Kick-off – Coventry v Luton
      1. Here we go! It’s Luton that get the richest game in sport underway.
      The Hatters, wearing their orange and blue, are kicking towards the end of Wembley covered in shade.
      The Sky Blues of Coventry will have to do their first half attacking in blistering sunshine.
      Here come the two teams!
      A sea of orange and sky blue greet the players as they are introduced to the pitch.
      Wembley is bright – more so due to the tremendous sunshine – and colourful, and for one of these two clubs the afternoon will end with a journey into the light of the Premier League.
      The squads and staff go through the pre-match formalities of a final as captains Liam Kelly and Tom Lockyer lead a meet and great with the day’s special guests and then it’s time for the national anthem.
      And now – finally – after all the talk and preparations, it’s time for the football.
      The ultimate prize is on the line, but only one of Coventry or Luton can emerge victorious.
      Robins expects tight affair
      Mark Robins believes his side will have to be clever if they are to compete with Luton’s physical presence and the Wembley sunshine.
      However, the Coventry boss wants his players to impose themselves on the game, and leave everything out there on the pitch.
      It’s going to be a tight game. They pose a huge threat and physicality, but they have some real good quality and they’re coached very well. This weather will dictate the game to a certain degree. We need to go and impose ourselves on the game.Mark RobinsSky Sports
      Edwards: We know the stakes
      Luton manager Rob Edwards is not playing down today’s game – known as football’s £170m fixture.
      Instead, the Hatters coach wants his team to bottle that, and take the game – their game – to Coventry.
      There’s no point hiding away from it. We need to be the best version of us. We recognise it’s a different kind of game. We know the stakes. But we’re only going to be successful if we do what we do and do it well.Rob EdwardsSky Sports
      LUTON, ENGLAND – MAY 16: Luton Town manager Rob Edwards during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg match between Luton Town v Sunderland at Kenilworth Road on May 16, 2023 in Luton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
      London falling for travelling Luton
      It’s only an hour down the M1 from Luton to London, but that journey often has the Hatters in a losing habit.
      The normally resolute Kenilworth Road club have lost 12 of their last 15 games in the capital, winning two and drawing one.
      They did manage to keep a clean sheet in each of the three games where they avoided defeat but managed to concede a whopping 40 goals in the 12 that they lost.
      Atmosphere heating up at Wembley
      Thousands of Coventry and Luton fans are excitedly – and nervously – making their way up at Wembley way, knowing that their clubs are potentially 90 minutes away from the Premier League.
      What as story it would be for either with both having had more than their fair share of heartbreak and hardship this century.

      Cov’s fond memories of Wembley
      Coventry City fans arrive at the national stadium this afternoon, knowing just what it takes to win a Wembley final.
      The Sky Blues have won three of the four matches played at Wembley in their history, most famously when lifting the 1987 FA Cup after beating Tottenham. Keith Houchen’s diving header in the 3-2 win is etched in football folklore.
      Coventry also tasted victory when beating Oxford 2-1 in the 2017 EFL Trophy final, and then again in the 2018 League Two play-off final against Exeter.
      Their only defeat at the stadium came against Everton in the 1987 Charity Shield.
      The Luton Town starting XI
      Luton (3-5-2): 34 Horvath; 32 Osho, 4 Lockyer, 29 Bell; 2 Drameh, 18 Clark, 13 Nakamba, 17 Mpanzu, 45 Doughty; 11 Adebayo, 9 Morris
      Subs: 1 Shea, 3 Potts, 8 Berry, 16 Burke, 22 Campbell, 23 Onyedinma, 25 Taylor

      Robins names his Coventry team
      Coventry (3-4-2-1): 13 Wilson; 16 McNally, 5 McFadzean, 3 Doyle; 7 Norton-Cuffy, 6 Kelly, 14 Sheaf, 27 Bidwell; 38 Hamer, 8 Allen; 17 Gyokeres
      Subs: 1 Moore, 2 Panzo, 11 Wilson-Esbrand, 23 Dabo, 24 Godden, 28 Eccles, 45 Palmer

      Luton lack play-off know-how
      Luton have made a habit of defying the odds over the past decade, but now they will have to make further history in order to complete their rise back to the top-flight.
      Today marks the club’s first ever appearance in a Football League play-off final – on the back of their first ever victory in an EFL play-off game, the 2-0 win over Sunderland in the second leg of the semi-final 11 days ago.
      The Hatters did feature in two play-off finals while languishing in non-league, but neither ended in glory.
      Luton failing to win promotion back to the Football League in both 2011 when they lost on penalties to AFC Wimbledon, and in 2012 after being beaten 2-1 by York.
      Hatters smart on head-to-head
      Despite the two draws this term, Luton are very much in the ascendancy when it comes to recent meetings with Coventry.
      In fact, the Hatters are unbeaten in their last nine games against the Sky Blues, winning four.
      The West Midlands outfit last got the better of their Bedfordshire counterparts with a 3-0 away victory in October 2017 when the two clubs were stranded in League Two.
      Upward clubs quick on draw
      There was nothing between Coventry and Luton in their two Championship meetings this season with each game ending level.
      However, in both meetings, the Bedfordshire club struck early.
      Back in September under the guidance of Nathan Jones they led through Carlton Morris’ 4th-minute goal. The striker struck again on the quarter of an hour mark, but on both occasions the Sky Blues struck back to equalise through Viktor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer.
      It took just 40-seconds for Luton to lead in February’s return when Tom Lockyer tapped in. Matt Gooden was the man who rescued Cov on this occasion with a penalty on the stroke of half-time before Josh Wilson-Esbrand was sent off late on.

      Coventry 1-1 Luton (Feb 11)
      Luton 2-2 Coventry (Sept 14)

      Hatters faves to reach promised land
      The pundits are split on which of these two clubs will join the elite in the Premier League next season, but the bookies are siding with Luton Town – just.
      Rob Edwards’ Hatters are favourites to win promotion although they can be backed at odds against to seal the deal within 90 minutes.
      90 minute betting:

      Coventry win 12/5
      Draw 15/8
      Luton win 7/5

      To win promotion:

      Coventry to win promotion 11/10
      Luton to win promotion 8/11

      Odds from Betfair correct at time of post publication.
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      Meet the Luton and Coventry Wags who’ll be cheering on their boys at Wembley as they aim to reach Premier League

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      LUTON and Coventry Wags are heading to Wembley.The Hatters saw off Sunderland in their semi-final, while the Sky Blues edged out Middlesbrough.
      Alex Wrigley will be cheering on Coventry CityCredit: Instagram
      Wrigley is the fiancee of Coventry’s Liam KellyCredit: Instagram
      Both teams expect to sell over 36,000 tickets for football’s most valuable game.
      Amongst them will be the glam wives and girlfriends of the teams who are just a game away from the Premier League.
      Alex Wrigley
      Alex is the wife-to-be of Coventry’s Liam Kelly.
      A fan of selling and buying vintage clothing, she uses Vinted to scored herself some bargains.
      Read more football news
      The housewife is a mother-of-three, as well as an advocate for autism.
      Shantel Redmond
      As her Instagram says, Shantel is “Scottish living in London!!”
      The pretty brunette regularly shares photos enjoying life in the capital, including coffee dates with partner and Luton Town midfielder Alan Campbell.
      The pair also enjoyed a romantic break away in Paris back in November, where they dined at the trendy Ober Mamma restaurant.
      Most read in Football
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      Shantel Redmond hails from ScotlandCredit: Instagram
      Luton Town midfielder Allan Campbell poses with ShantelCredit: Instagram
      Shannon Nicole
      Most recently, Shannon took a trip to California where she enjoyed the Coachella music festival and watched Burna Boy perform.
      When she’s not partying with her girls, the stunner is the wife of Coventry’s Kasey Palmer and mother to their three children.
      Shannon uses her Instagram for paid partnerships with beauty companies, and is an ambassador for teeth whitening specialists Denthub.
      Shannon Nicole is a mother of threeCredit: Instagram
      Coventry star Kasey Palmer and Shannon Nicole enjoy a glam holidayCredit: Instagram
      Elise Dean
      Luton star Cauley Woodrow popped the question to Wag Elise in December 2021.
      And this summer, the pair are planning on walking down the aisle.
      The loved-up beauty is a regular at Kenilworth Road, and loves travelling – hitting New York with her beau.
      Elise Dean is a regular at Kenilworth RoadCredit: Instagram
      Elise is due to marry Cauley Woodrow in the summerCredit: Instagram
      Christie-Mae Savage
      Make-up expert Christie-Mae can’t help but share her love for boyfriend Josh Eccles, Coventry’s dynamic midfield star.
      Although her Instagram account is private, he was happy to share a cute snap of them looking stunning together in Mykonos.
      She wrote a comment: “You’re the best there is.”
      To which he replied: “My Girl.”
      Coventry’s Josh Eccles and his Wag Christie-Mae Savage cut a fine coupleCredit: Instagram
      Leoni Waghorn
      Leoni describes herself as a, ‘Proud mother, wife, personal trainer, EBAT foundation mentor and all round lover of life!’ on social media.
      She became PT after a career as a professional freestyle dancer.
      Leoni met Coventry star hubby Martyn when they were youngsters in South Shields, and have been together ever since.
      Her charity work includes helping to rebuild homes and schools in Sri Lanka that were destroyed by the Tsunami disaster.
      Leoni is a personal trainer and does a lot of work for charity
      Coventry star Martyn Waghorn and wife Leoni are both from South ShieldsCredit: Instagram
      Megan Bidwell
      Coventry defender Jake Bidwell’s wife Megan announced this month the hot couple were expecting their second child.
      With first child Rui, born in 2021 holding the baby scan in a photo, she captioned the snap: “Baby number 2.”
      The pair enjoy amazing trips abroad, including a winter holiday in Dubai for some much needed sun.
      Glam Megan and Jake Bidwell recently announced they were going to be parents againCredit: Instagram
      Megan enjoyed a winter holiday in Dubai last yearCredit: Instagram
      Amy Silvester
      Blonde beauty Amy keeps her personal life to herself, so her Instagram is private.
      Luton’s Sonny Bradley gave us a brief glimpse into their life on his social media, though, as the pair posed for selfies at the Habtoor Grand Resort in Dubai.
      Last year they welcomed their first son together, Ruben.
      Bradley is set to leave Luton at the end of this campaign.
      Amy keeps her personal life privateCredit: Instagram
      Luton’s Sonny Bradley is leaving the club at the end of the campaignCredit: Instagram
      Charlotte Butler
      If ever there was a Wag ready for the big time, it’s Charlotte Butler.
      Her beau, on-loan Man City youngster Callum Doyle, has been an important first-teamer – making 45 appearances in all competitions for Coventry.
      Meanwhile, Charlotte loves showing off her designer outfits on Instagram to her 14,000 plus followers.
      The gorgeous brunette even sells some of her threads online.
      Charlotte boasts a whopping 14,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      Butler dates Man City’s on-loan youngster Liam DoyleCredit: Instagram
      Charlotte Duggan
      Mum of two Charlotte Duggan is the wife of Luton keeper James Shea.
      Read More on The Sun
      She works as a psychotherapist for individuals, businesses, and takes on healthcare referrals.
      They have two daughters, Amelia and Sophia.
      Mum of two Charlotte is a psychotherapistCredit: Instagram More

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      We live INSIDE football ground… we can watch games from our attic – but it has a downside

      by

      RESIDENTS living inside a major football ground say they can watch games from their attics – but life in the stadium has a downside.The unique entrance to Championship side Luton Town FC’s Kenilworth Road ground has been cut into a road of terraced houses.
      A row of terraced houses has been cut in half by an entrance to Luton Town FC’s stadiumCredit: Reuters
      Ali Abdul lives next to the unique entranceCredit: JOHN McLELLAN
      Visiting fans climb bright blue metal staircases over residents’ gardens to enter the away stand, while patios from adjacent homes back onto the stadium.
      Mum-of-four Anu, 52, said: “My son’s bedroom in the attic enables him to see a bit of the ground so he can sometimes see the games.”
      She added that families on the Luton street used to get complimentary passes to games – before the pandemic put an end to the free tickets.
      Anu said: “We used to get a family ticket to go in the summer which was nice.
      Read More Football
      “We’d go and see a match against one of the smaller teams. It was good to get in the ground.
      Neighbour LeeLee said that she loves the buzz of Luton Town’s match days.
      Most read in The Sun
      She said: “It makes me feel alive. I love it.
      “It keeps things interesting around here. I rarely have any problems with the fans.”
      But Anu said life inside Kenilworth Road comes with a downside – claiming she’s fed up of hooligans chucking rubbish from the steps into her garden.
      She said: “Last week my house was egged by fans, they leave cans and bottles in front of my house.

      “They spray alcohol on to mine and my neighbour’s windows and drop litter from the stairs as they go into the stands.”
      The Hatters are on the verge of returning to the top flight for the first time since 1992, and the first time since the creation of the Premier League.
      If successful, the club will be handed an estimated £10million bill to upgrade its long-standing ground.
      SAD HATTERS
      For locals who live on Oak Road, the thought of the team moving to a new ground throws up mixed feelings.
      Many families on the street have grown up in the area and are lifelong fans of the club.
      Joumna, 49, said: “The stadium is alright with me. I was born on this road and I’ll probably never leave.
      “It was fine when I lived overlooking it. We never had any issues.”
      Abdul Ali’s family home is metres away from the entrance and backs onto the ground.
      “I’ve lived here my whole life,” he tells The Sun. “Until about seven years ago it was really easy to see into the stadium.
      “We used to have footballs smashing our window every so often when they accidentally got kicked out when teams tried to score.
      “It was kind of annoying at the time, it used to drive my dad mad.
      “We complained and complained and the club finally put up netting and some corrugated iron to stop it.
      “It means that my view of the pitch is gone unless I jump up and down on my bed. Then I can see a little bit of the grass, but not enough to watch the game.”
      On match days, Abdul says there is always a sea of police on the street – which, he adds, comes with an unusual perk.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I went out during Sunday’s game to get some food and then police escorted me back to my house,” he says.
      “It’s kind of cool being escorted home.”
      Luton Town are on the verge of returning to top-flight footballCredit: Getty
      Local Amanpreet said parking is a nightmare on match daysCredit: JOHN McLELLAN
      The stairs to the away end loom over residents’ back gardensCredit: JOHN McLELLAN
      Luton Town will have to upgrade the ground if the club is promoted to the Premier LeagueCredit: GOOGLE EARTH More