Progress

Three league games into the season and the team are looking decent. There was never going to be a easy game in this division what with all the points deductions and teams trying to snap up points. However, it appears Luton can last the course with a fine display yesterday there is certainly optimism for survival. 

There is a lot to be said about the opposition but I won't get involved in that affair. Hopefully our season will continue as it has started on a par footing. 

2020 and their leader Nick Owen - have picked up the mantle and about time to and begun the long hard struggle to get this club up amongst the best. They have cleared out most of the dead wood from Blackwell's reign. Blackwell brought in players who never improved the squad and just made Luton's financial problems worse.

Many may not be aware that since 2020 have tuck charge they have done a utterly fantastic job in reducing the wage bill and from bills of £4.6m to £1.6m is a vast improvement. They have brought players who to be fair to them are better than what we had. However 2020 are struggling on the commercial side of things after fans had been annoyed at how long it would take for replica shirts to go on sale. They also had to shut down the club's online store.

Our first objective is survival this looked impossible last year. The manager has focused the side well for the hard task in hand. He has got of to what can be called a flyer as we never looked on paper like we could beat some of the teams we have been beating that's good and it's a huge testament to the players. 

2020 have had a stressful time since taking over. Nothing more can be asked from the company?

The players that failed last year Dean Brill who at one time had been looked at by Liverpool could move on. He is not good at communication and he has conceded some goals that could really have been stopped. Another Dean Morgan has a terrible attitude towards the club and the fans. I have heard about the possible termination of his contract I'm not sure about this as it could be costly. I think the best option is to let the player play in the reserves for a season and if he impresses he can be tossed back into the fold at any time. But most certainly his attitude must change. 

Keith Keane is being slowly nursed back from injury and he has the ability to cover a host of positions. He's also pretty decent at doing a job. He could perhaps be thrown into the first team instead of Emanuel.

LIVE LEAGUE 2

Coca-Cola Football League Two:

Accrington Stanley versus Macclesfield 2-0

Barnet versus Brentford 0-1

Bournemouth versus Exeter 0-1

Bradford versus Rochdale 2-0

Bury versus Morecambe 2-1

Dag & Reg versus Port Vale 1-1

Darlington verus Grimsby 1-2

LUTON VERSUS NOTTS COUNTY 1-1

Rotheram versus Chester 3-1

Shrewsbury versus Aldershot 1-0

Wycombe versus Lincoln City 1-0

LUTON 1 - NOTTS COUNTY 1

Date - Saturday, 23 August 2008. Kick-off - 1500 BST. Venue - Kenilworth Road. Coverage - Live BBC commentary was on Radio Nottinghamshire (digital radio).

Jamie Forrestor's penalty gave Notts County a deserved draw to leave Luton on a points tally of -26.

Luton had created the better of the early chances with captain Kevin Nicholls going close when he hit the underside of the bar with a curling shot.

Chris Martin had hit the ball into the net to give the Hatters the lead, collecting former Birmingham City player Asa Hall's cross and finding space in the area to score.

But four minutes later the home side were deflated, Forrestor slotted home from the spot to level after Luton's defender Sam Parkin had remarkably handled a incoming ball.  

Luton team - Brill, Davis, Pilkington, Spillane, Nicholls, Emanuel, Hall (Watson), Jarvis (Plummer), Parkin, Martin. Subs unused - Logan, Keane, Roper.

Booked - Martin, Nicholls.

Goals - Martin.

Notts County - Pilkington, Beardsley, Mayo, Edwards, Johnson, Hamshaw, Weston, Butcher, Nowland (Smith), Forrestor, Facey. Subs unused - Hoult, Tanner, Canham, Fairclough.

Booked - Johnson.

Goals - Forrestor (penalty).

Attendance - 6,085.

Referee - Tony Bates (Staffordshire).

THE CLUBS AMBITION POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE?

Are the team of Nick Owen and his consortium really suitable for Luton Town F.C. true Nick may be a fan but he may not be ruthless enough to make Luton a success will he fire the dead wood or will he continue to let them rot? Apart from the obvious funding I don't see what Owen and his consortium bring to the table they've not made wholesale changes management wise and they have not brought in quality players for Luton Town F.C to propel them to safety. While Nick's team may concentrate on staying up every fan dreams of more and I just don't think he is taking that into account. 

I've had a fair amount of contact with Luton Town these past few days rather sadly. I was told that the home replica shirt would not be available online until mid- September but that I could always call a hotline to go direct to their club shop in Luton or whatever. I told them that, that was very backward why would I phone them if I had the internet I could e-mail them? However the women I was dealing with Tracy persisted that it must be done over the phone I told her in no uncertain terms that I would most certainly not be wasting my time by doing that.

I lodged several complaints to the club mainly aimed at Cherry Newberry the secretary. Who was a nightmare to deal with no wonder the police found her corrupt as hell and never believed her story it's not surprising. Anyway eventually Chris Owen e-mailed me and said that he had saw the e-mails and that he wished to address the problem properly I said that was fine. However in his e-mail he seemed to come off thinking he was some kind of big shot and I should be happy that I was dealing with him it's almost as if he thought he was a celebrity I know that his brothers on Midlands Today as I'm from the Midland's and he cracks the worst jokes ever but come on. 

Actually I'm going to talk about his brother now then I'll get down to the nitty gritty after. It came as a surprise to me that Nick was a football fan as all he talks about on Midland's Today is bloody Warwickshire County Cricket Club he won't let the football/rugby pundit guy get a word in edgeways. I was even more surprised that it was Luton he was interested in as he was born in Birmingham. I like Luton, I'm not from Beds but I don't think I'd ever be interested in owning them unless it was a really good offer and something really positive was happening at the club. Back to the e-mail now. 

Anyway I e-mailed him about the problems that had been caused by the club and he promised me a 10% discount on the replica home shirt so basically he'll be knocking £4 of the price. If that's supposed to be a tempter then the guy's a idiot I know Luton have just come out of administration but the problems that I've been caused by L.T.F.C. don't equal £4. He thinks he's got a guaranteed purchaser and he could now put the price on shipping up. By the way for next day delivery at Luton it's a shocking £12 for that price it should be driven to me personally by the manager. 

Also I've noticed something very strange. Nick Owen's been a MD of LTFC 2020, Chris is a MD of LTFC 2020, now on the site it's got a guy called Gary Sweet saying that he is also a MD of LTFC 2020 how many MD's do they need? 

If the fans want mediocrity and just want to stay in the Football League like the board do then that's fine but if they want a person to take Luton to the top again they are going to have to demand that Nick Owen be ousted. I know Owen says he plans to stay for 3 years but if Luton do survive the drop this season I do think that yes investors will be looking at Luton Town F.C. and if Luton don't take up the chance of a better future for LTFC they are fools. LTFC 2020 are really just a supporters group so hopefully they'd have no trouble leaving Luton. 

By the way a couple of days ago there was  a notice that the online site had been taken down why? Because I had complained about it. 

They've just announced that the new kits are there for the players they've just arrived in from China. However it'll take another six weeks for replica shirts to go on sale so that's a month and a half so I got another lie from LTFC 2020 that the new kit replica would be available mid-September well it's obviously not. But thank god that it was for me that they've released such information. 

Also I've just learned the new kit will be made by Carbrini one of the main reasons I was looking to get a Luton shirt was the fact that it had been made by Puma a decent brand. Carbrini is just tacky. Nicholls club captain said that it was very much like Luton the kit. A bad choice of words? Also I don't think of Nicholls that highly to be honest I think he's a idiot and he's just proved so with these comments. What's the deal with him? He had a poor attitude at Preston and at Leeds as well why is he so liked at Luton? 

HATTERS HOLIDAYS YOU'D BE MAD TO MISS OUT ON

This week we have seen our national sides taking on opponents from all over the world in a series of friendlies. 

Wales took on Georgia, Scotland took on Northern Ireland and the Czech Republic made the trip to London to see the England National Team.

In recent years the Czechs have become very popular and many tourists now go and visit the country mainly Britons.

Charismatic Prague is a living museum and one of the most attractive cities in the world. 

Eating out is normally cheap and it's a easy affair to handle, even around the tourist areas. Make sure that you taste the beer, as it is very refreshing.

Prague Castle, is a hugely popular attraction in the Carved City, it must be at the very top of any visitors agenda, although with so many wonderful sites it would be impossible to see it all. museums and arts line the streets.

Entertainment meanwhile is top notch. For a fun filled holiday sample the incredible night life as the culture from casinos, bars and clubs with live music you can dance the night away be the Dancing Queen. 

If you'd like to see the Carved City save money while helping Luton Town F.C. progress through the Holiday Club system. 

Check out www.lutontown.co.uk for further information. This blog is in no way connected to the club. 

HATTERS LAND KEEPER

Luton Town have signed Leicester City goalkeeper Conrad Logon on a loan basis until January.

Logan, 22, spent much of last season on loan at Stockport County and helped them with their promotion bid which culminated in a play-off final victory. 

He will fight it out with fellow keeper Dean Brill for the number one shirt at Kenilworth Road.

"Conrad wishes to play first team football and, with that and the fact we have some fantastic goalkeeper at this club, I felt it would be best for all parties concerned if he went out on loan and added to his experience." - Nigel Pearson. 

BIG MATCH PREVIEW | LUTON VERSUS NOTTS COUNTY

What is Luton's form like?

A good triumph over Football League side Plymouth Argyle was followed up with a good win over star jammed Gillingham.

A blip however came on the opening day versus Port Vale, but then they did have 7 debutants and a lion's share of the ball so really it was just unlucky for little old Luton. 

What about the squad?

Our best player is Kevin Nicholls - the leader, the messiah whatever you call him he's at Kenilworth Road again. The worst player is probably Dean Morgan he has the ability, but his attitude is very poor that makes for a poor showing, and in our hard times he's really not the type of player who's good enough. 

Will you look forward to coming up against Notts County?

Yes, Notts County have been quality they have been where we have been, they have had highs and lows. Away games are always popular as well so we'll be optimistic. 

Any Luton players to be afraid of?

Kevin Nicholls is the heart and soul of the club, the man will chase down every loose ball like a demon he controls the midfield for us it is good that he has returned for the sake of Luton F.C. and the fans are overjoyed to have him back.

Which players do you fear from Notts County?

Delroy facey and Jamie Forrestor have experienced and have got bags of goals and experience.

How do you think the match will lay?

Luton will play neat attacking football as we have in games past.

Where do you expect Notts County to finish?

I expect Mid-table.

Where do you think your club Luton will finish in the league this season?

22nd Is the target it is realistic, anything more would be a good bonus, but we all think higher is to be expected despite the media writing us off. 

Predicted score Luton - 2-0 To Luton.

Predicted score Notts County - Tough game scrapping for their lives, 1-1.

TWO FORMER GUNS OF QPR TRYING TO PLY THEIR TRADE FOR LUTON

In sad news for Luton fans former Queens Park Rangers players Tony Thorpe and Stefan Moore are currently training with Luton, hoping to earn a permanent deal at Kenilworth Road. 

Thrope, who is now 34 has had a trial at the lowly Hatters after appearing for Swindon, Colchester, and Stevenage for whom he featured against the R's in a friendly back in 2006. 

Prior to Rangers, Luton was Thorpe's club of choice making more than 164 appearances over four spells with the Hatters, scoring 71 league goals. He has also had spells at Fulham as well as bristol city with loan spells including reading and Rotheram.

Thorpe has been heavily bashed in the media for his decision to move from Loftus Road to Luton, and the reaction to his impending deal will make for interesting paper news. 

This news comes after it was confirmed that Stefan Moore is also having another go after a string of career failures after a promising start along with his brother Luke at Aston Villa.

However whilst Moore has remained a quality player regularly featuring for Premiership teams and retaining his status by signing for West Brom, Stefan's talents have yet to been seen as he's worked his way through the football league ladder to the bottom of the pit, Luton Town. 

Following spells at Chesterfield, Millwall and Leicester on loan, Moore came to Rangers with great promise, with then manager Ian Holloway very excited about signing the youngster after poaching him from rivals Aston Villa. 

During his spell at Rangers he bagged just three goals, was played mainly on the left or right, and had a loan spell at Port Vale although he managed just one goal there, Vale boss Martine Foyle at the time opted against signing the strikers services. Since then he has been released to Port Vale and scored against trial club Luton Town.

Former Rangers assistant boss Mick Harford stated:

"He [Thorpe] has not done a lot of training. 

"He has been involved with a lot of small-time clubs and other aspects of the game. To play a game proper is different.

"It'll be good to have a good look at him. We will just keep a open eye on him for the minute and then we will see how things go."

This news comes after Queens Park Rangers and Luton Town F.C. midfielder Richard Langley has been looked at by Shrimpers Southend United. 

 

COMMUNITY TRUST DEVELOPMENT OFFICER FULL TIME

The successful candidate will primarily be responsible for the Management and Future Expansion of the following activities currently delivered by the Luton Town F.C. Community Trust. 

- SCHOOLS CURRICULUM PROGRAMME. 

- AFTER SCHOOL AND LUNCH CLUBS WITHIN THE SCHOOL.

- EVENING AND WEEKEND SOCCER SCHOOLS.

- HOLIDAY COURSES.

In addition the successful candidate will be expected to work alongside the Football Development Manager assisting him in the day-to-day coaching and administration within our Soccer Centres: which are the entry level to our T.I.P.S. Player Development Programme. 

The candidate who is successful should hold a football Association Level 3 (UEFA B) Coaching Award or at the very minimum will be working towards their Final Assessment for this qualification. The successful applicant will also be in the possession of a Enhanced CRB Disclosure plus current FA Emergency Aid and Child Protection Qualification. 

The candidate should ideally have experience of working within the Community Department of a Professional Football Club, must be highly motivated, be able to work within a team and have the ability to develop and deliver a long term strategic plan.

The Football Development officer will report directly to the Football and Community Development Manager and will be expected to provide quality reports which will be submitted to the Schemes Management Forum.

The post will be based at Luton's Kenilworth Road stadium. Due to the nature of such work we would expect that any candidate applying for the post would live within the proximity of Bedfordshire. It is a requirement that the applicant has a Full Current Driving Licence and has their own car that they are able to use in the course for Luton Town FC Community Trust.

The package will include 4 weeks of paid annual leave (to be taken in accordance with the Trust Directive), and private personal medical cover. 

We welcome all applicants from men and women regardless of disability, race or marital status. 

Written applications and CV:

Marked 'Private' to the attention of: Stuart Smith

Football And Community Development Officer 

Luton Town F.C. Community Trust

Kenilworth Stadium 

1 Maple Road

Luton 

Beds

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 27th August. 

LUTON ARE SUCCESSFUL

Luton showed a passion no one can doubt in recent seasons, together with power and application which saw them hang on to a early lead for 91 minutes against tough opposition in the form of Gillingham.

Away points are a huge bonus and they were few and far between last season but the new look Hatters hit the jackpot at the first time of asking on this occasion. 

Keith Keane came in for the injured Emanuel, he failed a medical test before kick off after he injured himself on Tuesday afternoon. 

The most pleasing aspect of the performance was the way that the Hatters defended as a unit stout and resolute and they did not allow the star studded Gillingham side any chances as there players consistently found chances hard to come by. 

Add to that the terrific showing of Spillane and Pilkington closed the middle of the defence off, Gnakpa was too good for Seyi Oli on most occasions, and Hall and Nicholls bossed the central area, and the Gills as they are known as had been getting joy from only one player in the form of Berry down the right wing and this gave the Luton defence some problems, and the skill of McCammon's flick ons to Jackson to cause the Hatters some trouble.

They continued to take the game to the home side and shortly afterwards Nicholls crossed for Jarvis but it eluded the former Norwich player. Three minutes into the game however Christian Martin made a darting run and he found the rising head of Jon Parkin who headed the ball into the net. 

Town kept the pressure on the Gill's and prevented the home sides chances. Town kept most of the possession as well.  The Hatter's hung on to get that elusive 3 points. 

Asa Hall man of the match. 

THE WOMEN'S LEAGUE

Two of the four Combination Leagues started today, with Luton Town making easy work of South East side Northampton with a stunning 7-0 victory. 

Welwyn Garden City sit just behind the Hatters in second place, after a impressive 5-2 victory over a returning Norwich City side, while Lews defeated Cambridge City 4-2 and Enfield Town had a good 2-0 result up at Wellingborough Diamonds (formerly known as Rushden). Missing half of last seasons regular squad, it was left to the ver reliable Holly Wilson and youngster Robwyn Downie to fire in the goals. Enfield's match with Norwich in the afternoon this Sunday has been rearranged to Walthaw Abbey FC, Brimsdon is not available on the date in question. 

Morley Spurs had a harsh lesson dished out in the Nothern Combination League, going down 6-1 at home to Rochdale, while a Leeds Eleven thrashed local rivals Bradford City 5-1 in the West Yorkshire derby. West Aukland Town made light work of Salford Sports with a 5-2 victory while Middlesborough and Stockport played out a 0-0 draw. Blackpool's match with Peterlee was called off and Scunthorpe had been left in the lurch after a no show by their rivals, that followed the resignation of Caenarfon Town. 

Gillingham and Bedford Town shared the spoils with a impressive showing. The final result 2-2 which sent the home crowd away happily. Spurs drew a blank with Whitehawk neither team taking their chances. 

RESERVES TRAVEL TO LUTON TOWN

The Colchester second string will begin their league campaign on Tuesday afternoon with six professionals making the trip to Kenilworth Road.

The first team may have already played three games this season, but the reserves will begin their Pontis Combination fixtures with a game against Luton Town. 

Paul Ifil will continue his quest for match practice as he lines up a spot in the first team at full back. Sunday Wasiu will lead the line as the reserves look for a win on Tuesday night. 

The game kicks off at around 2pm sharp so for any fans who may be thinking of going to the game a reminder. 

The likely Colchester line-up: COUSINS, IFIL, NELSON, GRIFFINS, WRIGHT, CORNCOARAN, MCCLOSKEY, ELITO, WASIU, BATCHELOR, BAILEY-DENNIS, MALTON, RAFTER, MARVELL, DICKEY. 

SHRIMPERS TAKE LANGLEY ON TRIAL

Southend United have handed a trial to former Queens Park Rangers and Luton Town midfielder Richard Langley.

The 28 year-old fromer Jamaica international has been without a club since leaving the Hatters last season. 

"Richard is available on a free and we will take a look at him in today's reserves game.

"We need a extra midfielder and he comes with quality experience, so this is a decent oppurtunitay to run the rule over him."