Luton Town had their first Premier League fixture on Saturday down by the seaside against Brighton and Hove Albion on the opening weekend of the season.
It did not go to plan. They lost 4-1 at the Amex stadium.
However, Hatters fans said they are optimistic for the season having returned to the top tier of English football for the first time since 1992 – going from nonleague to Premier League in nine years.
Lyn Grubb, nursery nurse
“I only started to go to Luton matches four years ago when I started seeing my current partner. I’ve loved every minute. They have done so well in that time and often better the matches that I’m able to attend. I’ve been to home and away matches.”
On her hopes for the season, she said: “I hope we will all enjoy this season whether we stay in the Premier League or not. I must admit the money that we get to build a new stadium is so needed. I feel that especially as I work at Watford hospital which is right next to our previous rivals Watford’s lovely stadium.
“I’m so proud of the players and coaching team as well as the supporters. My hero of the team is Allan Campbell and I also have a soft spot for Pelly [Pelly Ruddock] as before a game several years ago he was warming up and kicked a ball past the goal which hit me in the face (just a bruise but he came and checked I was OK).”
Graham Winterbone, semi-retired and club volunteer
“I have been attending games at Luton since 1970 and have seen all the highs and lows: promotions, relegations, cup finals, etc. Can we stay up? We will have fun whatever happens.”
Paul Goodwin, a born-and-bred Hatters fan
Paul’s hopes for the campaign are “to make the statement that football is still a working-class game no matter how much money TV or the betting industry throws at the bigger teams.
“Clubs like Luton, run by the fans for the fans, can still compete in the top league in the world without a foreign ‘benefactor’.
“Through adversity and hard work by dedicated fans, Luton have fought their way back through the divisions without spending millions on players, building a sustainable football club. And no betting firms go on our shirts. We aim to win this league and change the way football is run, not just be a small part of it. Viva la Revolution.”
Jon White, export manager from Connecticut
Jon, who has supported the team for 43 years, said he is “proud to follow a club that doesn’t break FFP rules, pays for its own stadium, doesn’t take gambling sponsorship, is a community club not a foreign billionaire’s plaything, was shafted by the FA, but has come back stronger than ever.”
Abel from north Wales
When Luton were last in the top flight, I would take a co-worker’s son (about 12) to home matches, as she wanted “someone sensible” to accompany him.
“Picture the scene: It’s 8 October 1988. Liverpool the visitors. We unexpectedly scored after six minutes – cue the best part of two hours where the team somehow found a telling boot, an outstretched leg, right at the last possible moment.
“Clearly the inspiration for Steven Seagal four years later in “Under Siege”. My fingernails were gone half an hour in.
“Result: 1-0! Oblivious to my guest, I swore like a trooper for the entire match, and then had to apologise profusely to his mum on the Monday. I’m still embarrassed, Ellen, but not sorry. It was my best footballing day of my life!”
