GLAD HATTERS’ PARTY
When the final whistle tooted and Luton fans invaded the Kenilworth Road pitch to celebrate reaching the Championship playoff final, our first thoughts turned to what all that orange smoke would do to the washing drying in the gardens backing on to the ground. Poor old Maureen and Cecil at No 169 were kept up for ages by the racket and woke to find their unmentionables smelling not of success but burning embers. Yes, nine seasons ago, Luton were calmly defeating Hyde, Alfreton and Salisbury as they pummelled their way to the Conference Premier title. They amassed 101 points to move them out of the non-league system and back on an upward trajectory but it was all pretty straightforward, meaning Maureen and Cecil got a good kip, regardless of the result. But not now.
Steady progress up the leagues has brought them 90 minutes from destiny, in a final against Middlesbrough or Coventry. When Leicester won the Premier League in 2015-16, Luton finished 11th in League Two and now look to be trading places with them thanks to a young, talented and largely British squad, smartly acquired and performing incredibly under dynamic coach Rob Edwards – who was ushered through Watford’s revolving door marked ‘Do One’ after 11 matches this season – all reinforced by sensible ownership. Would they fit in at the Premier League round table, where they would be allowed to make decisions on the nature of the sport in this country alongside American billionaires and state-funded organisations?
“This group of players is special,” cheered Edwards after seeing off Sunderland 3-2 on aggregate. “We’re one game away from the Premier League. It sounds surreal saying it, but it’s a fact.” If they do make it to those lofty heights they will bring with them outdated concepts the beautiful game had hoped to leave behind. For starters – and this will doubtless come as news to many of you – to enter the away end, fans have to walk through houses. This would see Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal supporters having to knock on Mavis at No 28 so she can let them through her front door and out the back to the turnstile.
Like all companies rapidly progressing, Luton are looking at bringing their infrastructure up to date. Kenilworth Road (the ground, not the houses) holds a maximum of 10,356 and would become the Premier League’s smallest ever stadium. Plans are afoot to swap it for a new 23,000-seater down the road. But more important questions will need to be asked to see if Luton are fit and proper for the promised land. What really needs answering is whether Harry the Hatter is up to the task of being a top-flight mascot? Only four years ago, he was mixing it in League One. Will he be able to make the step up and b@nter at the same level as Moonchester and Fred the Red? Only time will tell.
LIVE ON BIG WEBSITE
Join Barry Glendenning from 8pm BST for hot Big Cup semi-final second leg MBM coverage of Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid (agg: 3-4), when Luke McLaughlin will also be on deck for the Championship playoff semi-final return game as Middlesbrough beat Coventry 2-1 (agg: 2-1).
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The association would like to express its disappointment and apologise for the chaotic incident that occurred off [the] pitch. Especially the staff and coach who represent all Thais during every minute of their duty; they must maintain their calm emotions under high pressure. There will be a committee to investigate all those involved and there will be punishment, there will be no protection to those involved. The investigation will begin immediately when the team returns home” – the Thailand FA apologise after brawls marred the Southeast Asian Games men’s football final against Indonesia in Cambodia. Indonesia won the U-23 match 5-2 after extra time, with Thailand reduced to eight players and the Indonesians to 10 in the wake of four red cards and two all-in brawls. The Indonesia coach, Indra Sjafri, isn’t holding any grudges, mind. “The tension of the match was high,” he cooed. “Let there not be blame on one another. This was a marvellous final.”
FOOTBALL DAILY LETTERS
Sometimes I’m browsing the sport part of Big Website and see a headline regarding ‘Spurs’. The headline doesn’t add up, until I realise it is a basketball team called San Antonio Spurs. Although, to be fair, I’m the idiot as I should know it relates to them as it is in the sport section and not the comedy section” – Antony Train.
Mike Wilner on De Zerbi and Mourinho having a slide-off should Brighton and Roma meet (yesterday’s Football Daily letters) got me thinking. In the event of a draw, they could be placed either side of the touchline with a rolled-up programme and then run and slide at each other like knights of the tournaments of old. The one who lands the biggest hit (maybe VAR-decided?) gets the points. I’d pay just to see that alone” – Andy Gill.
Like many decent, level-headed sports followers, I would love to change attitudes to football referees from players and fans alike. Like most habits, traits and the way of people, this can only be done by education and good example. As a Big Paper/Website believer, and I do most do the time, let’s try and influence change. Not only by your reporting, but somehow by recognising and rewarding the young players and young spectators who show and promote respect, examples of understanding and self-control, while enjoying playing or watching the great game. How about Young Player and/or Supporter of the Month? Chosen through recommendation or such like. The involvement of local schools, clubs and communities would be encouraged. Sport, football in particular, needs a makeover of behaviour. Instead of clubs focusing on mostly finance and success at all costs, let’s somehow try to change the model and make it a real spectator experience for all” – David Gudger.
Send your letters to the.boss@theguardian.com. Today’s winner of our letter o’ the day is … Andy Gill, who also lands a copy of Nige Tassell’s new book, Field of Dreams: 100 Years of Wembley in 100 Matches. We’ve got more to give away all week, so get typing.
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