LUTON TOWN 2018 REVIEW

In the words of 80s pop superstars Yazz, for Luton, 2018 could be best summed up in 5 words “The Only Way Is Up”.

Although ultimately disappointing to concede the title to Accrington, aided by a controversial defeat to them at Kenilworth Road, there was no crying over spilt milk for Luton as they’ve stormed the first-half of their first League One campaign since 2008.

The Hatters were sitting pretty at the top of the League Two tree as 2018 came around but had to be content with a runner up spot. The longest trip of the season away to Carlisle was a joyous one as despite only drawing 1-1, results elsewhere ensured promotion.

Luton were given a baptism of fire to start the 18/19 season picking up a point at home to Sunderland, sandwiched between defeats against Portsmouth and Peterborough. Despite the lack of points, fans remained optimistic buoyed by credible showings in all three games and soon the results followed. Thrashings of Plymouth and Bradford, and late goals on the road at Oxford and Walsall have seen Luton enter 2019 in 2nd place albeit with Sunderland having games in hand. The no-nonsense centre back pair of Bradley and Pearson have impressed and the goals have been shared around with Messrs Lee, Hylton, Cornick and Collins all contributing plenty this year.

STAT ATTACK ⚡️⚽️ Since the 2011-12 season, James Collins has now netted 🔟+ league goals in seven different seasons in the top four tiers of English football, the joint-highest of any player in this time alongside Sergio Aguero.🤯#LTFC @LutonTown pic.twitter.com/r9MG94NGpZ — D3D4Football (@d3d4football) December 29, 2018

The year did end on a slight sour note with the news that defensive midfielder Glen Rea will be out for the foreseeable future, and you’d imagine that will be the first priority for Nathan Jones when the window opens.

Can Luton get back to back promotions? With games against 4th, 3rd, 5th and 1st this month and hopefully some long awaited good news on a ground move, chief executive Gary Sweet wasn’t exaggerating when he said January could be the biggest month in Luton’s history. If things go right on the pitch it could be trips to Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Stoke next season. Get it wrong and it’s another year of Accrington, Burton and Shrewsbury.

words @LTFC_Dave, Luton Town fan