Club

End of season statement from the Board

Fans Bolton

Confirmation on Saturday that our 2025/26 season has drawn to a conclusion provides us with an opportunity to reflect on a campaign that has tested us, challenged us, and ultimately united us reminding us all of exactly what Luton Town Football Club stands for.

Missing out on the League One play-offs on the final day is naturally very disappointing, but it does not diminish the resilience shown during a turnaround campaign and the eventual progress made as foundations continue to be reinforced or reorganised across every area of the club.

The second half of the season, in particular, has given us huge encouragement, which was ultimately rewarding, if slightly too late. Together, we rediscovered the identity that defines this club – hard work, togetherness, humility and belief.

The scenes at the full-time whistle after our comeback win against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday showed the clear connection that exists between this club, this manager and his staff, this squad, and our supporters – something which will be critical to maintain as we seek to carry momentum throughout the summer and into the 2026/27 campaign.

The performances, results and determined spirit shown by the squad and staff over recent months have demonstrated that we are moving firmly in the right direction and carrying genuine momentum into next season. Ending the campaign with just one defeat in our last 17 matches in all competitions, during a run that also saw us lift the Vertu Trophy in front of 34,000 Hatters fans at Wembley Stadium, tells you all you need to know about the direction we’re heading in as a football club.

That victory at Wembley epitomised everything special about this club: our supporters turning out in extraordinary numbers, our manager, his staff and our players delivering under pressure and the shared belief that continues to drive Luton Town forward. It was a moment that belongs to every Hatters supporter and one that will remain an important part of this season’s story, and more importantly, be forever etched in the club’s history.

Jack – in his first managerial role – deserves huge credit for our turnaround in the second half of the campaign. He has done a remarkable job in finding the optimal balance between his own footballing principles and the realities of League One football, which he has achieved with great aplomb.

He will, however, be the first to acknowledge the contribution of his players and his staff, who – collectively – have come together during what was a testing period when he first arrived, to ensure we end the season reflecting positively on the 2025/26 campaign.

From our football department to the many non-football staff who represent this club every single day, there has been a shared commitment and professionalism that deserves enormous recognition. That togetherness remains one of the club’s greatest strengths and we thank every single person for their hard work this season, whatever your role.

Looking ahead, there is a real belief in the nucleus of the current squad running alongside a recognition that the continued refresh is still needed. With the right support and the right additions, we should challenge strongly in League One next season. With the EFL’s reduced Salary Cost Management Protocol looming, despite forced rebudgeting across all clubs, there is also likely to be significant churn across all squads across the leagues, which will create opportunities for us to attract and recruit more players who fit the culture of the club and the demands of our emerging football identity.

The board remains committed to building a club that can compete with ambition, while remaining true to the principles of sustainability and long-term planning that continue to guide every decision we make.

The board would like to emphasise that we set high standards on and off the pitch – the very same standards you expect as supporters. We acknowledge that can improve and are intent on doing so. After the decade of the success we achieved together, the last two seasons have been humbling for us all but we remain ever more committed to developing the encouraging progress exemplified by these last three months.

We are determined to protect the stability of Luton Town, while continuing to invest in the infrastructure, people and environment needed for lasting success. Indeed, Power Court is the vital ingredient which will elevate the future aspirations of the club and we’re very proud of the exciting position we have before us today with our new home a reality that we can all look forward to.

Our work starts immediately as we take on this next chapter with a firm plan and unwavering commitment and determination to solidify this turnaround and allow Jack to progress us further on the pitch. It will be another period that will see transitional change but that will ultimately aim to continue our upwards momentum and improve our chances of plying our trade in the Championship in the not-too-distant future.

Congratulations to our League One competitors who have achieved promotion and made the play-offs, which will be an exciting and nerve-wracking time for all. The form table will demonstrate that we would have been the team they all wanted to keep out but, over the full course of the season the table doesn’t lie. Over the last two campaigns, an aggregate of one single point plus a handful of goals have been the difference between success and failure twice. We can’t leave it too late or to luck again if we can possibly avoid it.

The final word, as always, should go to the supporters. Looking out across that sea of orange to our left at Wembley was a reminder of what this club means to so many people, and as always, gave us a real sense of pride. The same applies to the thousands who have covered the miles up and down the country over the course of the season, packing out away ends and backing the team through some difficult moments and frustrating periods. In challenging moments and positive ones alike, that unity has carried us forward and in recent weeks, that patience has been rewarded with some truly memorable away days.

We would also like to thank everyone who has sent the many positive messages of encouragement over the last 48 hours over the various channels which provides additional oxygen to ensure we complete this turnaround and get our club back on track, for you.

We have experienced extraordinary highs and unforgettable lows in recent years, but we move into the summer united, proud of what has been restored, encouraged by the momentum we have built and fully focused on the next chapter.

As we continue to build momentum, Season Ticket details will be released this coming week and pre-season plans will also be confirmed soon, as we all look ahead to the 2026/27 campaign with vigour and excitement.

Luton Town Football Club has 141 years of history. It has never been defined by a single season, but by its ability to respond and move forward – together.

COYH!

Related Content

  1. 01
  2. 02
  3. 03