2008–09 Luton Town F.C. season

{{see also|History of Luton Town F.C. (1970–present)|List of Luton Town F.C. seasons}}

Kevin Blackwell's Luton team had a woeful 2007–08 season, due in no small part to the chaos behind the scenes at the club. Chairman David Pinkney, who had only months before taken over the club promising success, took the club into administration on 22 November 2007, stating he would fund the club's overheads. The club had ten points deducted as punishment.{{cite news |title=Luton suffer 10-point deduction |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/7108271.stm |publisher=BBC |date=22 November 2007 |access-date=12 April 2009}} Meanwhile, an FA probe on transfer irregularities dragged on, described by Pinkney as "a storm in a teacup".{{cite news |title=FA probe 'storm in a teacup' says Hatters chairman |url=http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/luton-sport/FA-probe-39storm-in-teacup39.3369031.jp |work=Dunstable Today |publisher=Johnston Press |date=11 October 2007 |access-date=12 April 2009}}

On 12 January, Kevin Blackwell and his assistants Sam Ellis and John Carver announced their intention to resign from the club on 9 February. This came after the administrator had sold captain Chris Coyne to Colchester United and midfielder David Edwards to Wolverhampton Wanderers for £350,000 and £675,000 respectively. Blackwell had managed to guide his team to an FA Cup replay against Liverpool at Anfield, which assisted financially, but failed to prevent further sales.{{cite news |title=Kevin Blackwell resigns from Luton Town |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2288615/Kevin-Blackwell-resigns-from-Luton-Town.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=12 January 2008 |access-date=29 April 2009 |location=London |first1=Andy |last1=Hooper}} On the same day as the replay at Anfield, 15 January, the administrator awarded "preferred bidder" status to Luton Town Football Club 2020, a consortium fronted by broadcaster and Luton Town supporter Nick Owen. 2020 loaned money to the club to keep them operating and, in return, were granted exclusive negotiation rights until the end of February 2008.{{cite news |title=Key breakthrough in battle to save Hatters |url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/lut/Key-breakthrough-in-battle-to.3675350.jp |work=Luton Today |publisher=Johnston Press |date=15 January 2008 |access-date=29 April 2009 |archive-date=21 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121110711/http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/lut/Key-breakthrough-in-battle-to.3675350.jp |url-status=dead }} Blackwell and his assistants were all sacked by the administrator on the same day, following a 5–0 defeat to Liverpool, to be replaced by former player Mick Harford, with Warren Neill installed as his assistant.{{cite news |title=Mick Harford replaces Kevin Blackwell at Luton |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2289140/Mick-Harford-replaces-Kevin-Blackwell-at-Luton.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=16 January 2008 |access-date=29 April 2009 |location=London |first1=Vicki |last1=Hodges |first2=Charlie |last2=Caroe}} On 26 February, the 2020 consortium had their bid for the club conditionally accepted by the administrator. This meant that they were now custodians of the club until the end of the season, and that the Football League would have to negotiate terms to return the Golden Share to Luton Town for the 2008–09 campaign.{{cite news |title=Owen consortium nears Luton deal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/7266108.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 February 2008 |access-date=29 April 2009}}

Luton were relegated to League Two following a 2–1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on 12 April. The defeat left the Hatters rooted to the bottom of the table on 33 points, three points behind fellow strugglers Port Vale, who were also relegated on the same day. Luton lost all of their remaining league games and finished the season in bottom place and 17 points adrift of safety.{{cite web |url=https://www.fchd.info/LUTONT.HTM |title=Football Club History Database – Luton Town |publisher=Richard Rundle |access-date=29 April 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529205257/http://www.fchd.info/LUTONT.HTM |archive-date=29 May 2008 |df=dmy}}

On 3 June, the FA's probe finally finished, and Luton were found guilty of 15 misconduct charges. The club was handed a ten-point deduction for the 2008–09 campaign, and a £50,000 fine.{{cite news |title=Luton Town lose appeal against points deduction |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article4069303.ece |work=The Times |date=4 June 2008 |access-date=10 October 2008 |location=London |first=Kaveh |last=Solhekol}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} However, the situation soon went from bad to worse as, since the club had violated Football League rules by leaving administration without having made a Company Voluntary Arrangement with its creditors, the Football League only offered to return the Golden Share (that would allow the club to compete) to Luton on the condition that they play with a further twenty-point deduction. Luton appealed against the decision, but their appeal was thrown out. As a result, Luton Town began the 2008–09 season with an unprecedented −30 points, the biggest point deduction on record in the top four rungs of English football. The Hatters faced a mighty fight merely to avoid relegation from the Football League for the first time in their history.{{cite news |title=Luton Town lose appeal against points deduction |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article4340138.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110918040206/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article4340138.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 September 2011 |work=The Times |date=16 July 2008 |access-date=17 July 2008 |location=London |first=Kaveh |last=Solhekol}}

Following the player sales in the previous season, Luton manager Mick Harford needed to practically rebuild his squad from scratch. A Football League-enforced transfer embargo that was in place until 48 hours before their first game of the season handicapped Harford further.{{cite news |title=Luton sign eight... and number could rise |url=http://www.luton-dunstable.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Luton-sign-eight-and-number-could-rise.htm |work=Luton & Dunstable Express |date=8 August 2008 |access-date=6 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222161904/http://www.luton-dunstable.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Luton-sign-eight-and-number-could-rise.htm |archive-date=22 February 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} Once the embargo was lifted on 8 August, the club signed nine players: former player Kevin Nicholls returned from a spell at Preston North End to captain the team; Claude Gnakpa joined from Peterborough United; Asa Hall signed from Birmingham City; George Pilkington arrived from Port Vale, and many others were signed including Michael Spillane and Chris Martin, both on season-long loans from Norwich City.

Luton made an indifferent start to the season, beating Plymouth Argyle in the League Cup, before going down 5–1 in the next round at Reading. By the end of September, Luton had reached −19 points in the league. This included an opening day home defeat to Port Vale, but narrow away victories over both Gillingham and Exeter City.

Luton's form soon slumped – after a draw away at Bradford City and a penalty shootout win over Brentford in the Football League Trophy, they lost two home games in a row. First Darlington inflicted defeat with a last minute winner in front of the Oak Road, then Luton were beaten 2–1 at home by Accrington Stanley in the first ever meeting between the two clubs.{{cite news |title=Luton 1–2 Accrington |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7665161.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=5 November 2008 |date=18 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021093358/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7665161.stm |archive-date=21 October 2008 |url-status=live}}

Meanwhile, manager Mick Harford continued to try to regenerate the squad – Irish winger Garreth O'Connor was drafted in from free agency, as was former Coventry City forward Wayne Andrews.{{cite news |title=Luton recruit midfielder O'Connor |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/7655387.stm |publisher=BBC |date=6 October 2008 |access-date=5 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009044420/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/7655387.stm |archive-date=9 October 2008 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Hatters complete double striker swoop |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1423881,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=17 October 2008 |access-date=5 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081019232603/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1423881%2C00.html |archive-date=19 October 2008 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} A spate of injuries did not help matters – talismanic captain Nicholls had not played since August, forward Sam Parkin was struggling with a recurring ankle injury, and defender Pilkington was out after becoming injured in early September. Harford introduced several younger players into the squad, including 16-year-old left-back Jake Howells from the youth team, 19-year-old Harry Worley on loan from Leicester City and 20-year-old striker Tom Craddock on loan from Middlesbrough.{{cite news |title=Foxes' Worley joins Luton on loan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/7623657.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 September 2008 |access-date=5 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921062730/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/7623657.stm |archive-date=21 September 2008 |url-status=live}}

Craddock made a big impact in his second game – scoring two goals in a 2–2 draw at Grimsby Town. Craddock earned and scored a penalty after Grimsby had taken an early lead, and then, deep into injury time, crashed the ball into the far corner from long range to secure a vital point for Luton. Luton Town history was made in this game as striker Jordan Patrick pulled on the number 29 shirt to become the club's youngest ever player – at 16 years and 7 days, Patrick came off the bench to set up Craddock's equaliser. Craddock scored again in a 2–1 win against Bury to quickly establish himself in the team.{{cite news |title=Grimsby 2–2 Luton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7672128.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 October 2008 |access-date=5 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024165829/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7672128.stm |archive-date=24 October 2008 |url-status=live}} Parkin, one of the club's highest earners, returned from injury during this game, but failed to score. He was sent out on loan to Leyton Orient days later, with a view to a permanent deal.{{cite news |title=Parkin move confirmed |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1429884,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=23 October 2008 |access-date=24 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081026091821/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1429884%2C00.html |archive-date=26 October 2008 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}{{cite news |title=Bury 1–2 Luton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7675580.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 October 2008 |access-date=5 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028114813/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7675580.stm |archive-date=28 October 2008 |url-status=live}} Three days later, a Tuesday night game against AFC Bournemouth at Kenilworth Road was abandoned after only eight minutes due to bad weather.{{cite news |title=Luton A-A Bournemouth |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7696353.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 October 2008 |access-date=5 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081101153104/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7696353.stm |archive-date=1 November 2008 |url-status=live}}

Luton's form was interrupted – a 3–0 annihilation followed that Saturday at Shrewsbury Town, putting a dent into Luton's charge for safety. A win in the Football League Trophy, against League One club Walsall, was the exception rather than the rule.{{cite news |title=Shrewsbury 3–0 Luton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7686176.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 November 2008 |access-date=5 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081104013739/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7686176.stm |archive-date=4 November 2008 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Walsall 0–1 Luton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7700481.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 November 2008 |access-date=5 November 2008}} Ahead of the next game, at home against Dagenham & Redbridge, Luton were boosted by the news that Craddock had extended his loan from Middlesbrough by a month.{{cite news |title=Craddock signs for another month |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1452692,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=12 November 2008 |access-date=13 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301142831/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1452692%2C00.html |archive-date=1 March 2012 |df=dmy}} However, when Craddock injured his groin only days later, Luton were forced to bring in another striker – former Queens Park Rangers player Kevin Gallen was signed on loan for a month from MK Dons.{{cite news |title=Gallen signs for a month |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1454818,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=14 November 2008 |access-date=14 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301142844/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1454818,00.html |archive-date=1 March 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} Results did not improve, with consecutive losses to Rochdale and Brentford.{{cite news |title=Rochdale 2–0 Luton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7727548.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 November 2008 |access-date=30 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108001522/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7727548.stm |archive-date=8 January 2009 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Luton 0–1 Brentford |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7741784.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 November 2008 |access-date=30 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204043800/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7741784.stm |archive-date=4 December 2008 |url-status=live}} An exit from the FA Cup followed, as Southend comfortably beat Luton 3–1 at Roots Hall.{{cite news |title=Southend 3–1 Luton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7741969.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 November 2008 |access-date=30 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090102022509/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7741969.stm |archive-date=2 January 2009 |url-status=live}}

December saw a revival in fortunes, as the Hatters went the entire month unbeaten. After a thrilling 3–3 draw at Kenilworth Road in the rescheduled game against Bournemouth, Luton beat Barnet 3–1.{{cite news |title=Luton 3–3 Bournemouth |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7749983.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 December 2008 |access-date=30 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090102022504/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7749983.stm |archive-date=2 January 2009 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Luton 3–1 Barnet |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7752469.stm |publisher=BBC |date=6 December 2008 |access-date=30 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090102022253/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7752469.stm |archive-date=2 January 2009 |url-status=live}} A 0–0 draw at top-of-the-table Wycombe Wanderers followed a week later, before Luton beat Colchester United in the Football League Trophy to earn a place in the Southern Area Final against Brighton & Hove Albion.{{cite news |title=Wycombe 0–0 Luton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7764821.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 December 2008 |access-date=26 March 2009}}{{cite news |title=Luton 1–0 Colchester |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7775104.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 December 2008 |access-date=26 March 2009}}

Craddock extended his loan from Middlesbrough by another month soon after.{{cite news |title=Craddock Loan extended |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1497883,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=23 December 2008 |access-date=26 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202114757/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1497883%2C00.html |archive-date=2 February 2009 |df=dmy}} Luton's unbeaten run continued on Boxing Day; Ian Roper's goal six minutes into injury time sealing a point at Chesterfield.{{cite news |title=Chesterfield 2–2 Luton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7790403.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 December 2008 |access-date=26 March 2009}} Two days later came a home win against Lincoln City, Roper scoring again after Martin had put Luton 2–0 ahead – the match finished 3–2.{{cite news |title=Luton 3–2 Lincoln City |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7790483.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 December 2008 |access-date=26 March 2009}} Luton were now only one point away from cancelling out their 30-point deduction.

Winger Ian Henderson, available as a free agent, signed on New Year's Day and Gallen's loan was also extended. To make room on the wage bill, O'Connor and Kevin Watson both left after short careers as Luton players.{{cite news |title=Henderson and Gallen sign on |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1506796,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=2 January 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505024446/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1506796%2C00.html |archive-date=5 May 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} The club then had a bad run of results, including a 5–1 defeat at Darlington.{{cite news |title=Chester 2–2 Luton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7815503.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 January 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009}}{{cite news |title=Darlington 5–1 Luton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7816209.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 January 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009}} Before the Darlington game, Luton signed Colchester United forward Akanni-Sunday Wasiu on loan for a month, while extending goalkeeper Conrad Logan's stay for a further month and signing Gallen on a permanent deal. Andrews was released soon after.{{cite news |title=Hatters sign trio |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1521360,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=15 January 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301142920/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1521360,00.html |archive-date=1 March 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}

In the first leg of the Football League Trophy Southern Area Final on 20 January, Luton travelled to Brighton & Hove Albion and battled to a 0–0 draw, giving them a slight advantage for the second leg at Kenilworth Road.{{cite news |title=Brighton 0–0 Luton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7824239.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 January 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009}} A controversial 3–3 draw with Bradford City saw both teams' managers, Mick Harford and Stuart McCall, and Luton captain Nicholls all set dates for FA hearings following a bizarre refereeing performance from Trevor Kettle.{{cite news |title=Luton 3–3 Bradford |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10372~45397,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=24 January 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301142932/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10372~45397%2C00.html |archive-date=1 March 2012 }}

Craddock signed an £80,000 permanent deal on 27 January, with Drew Talbot leaving for Chesterfield on loan to make room on the wage budget.{{cite news |title=Craddock seals permanent move |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1534933,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=27 January 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301142952/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1534933,00.html |archive-date=1 March 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}{{cite news |title=Talbot joins Spireites |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1534551,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=27 January 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301143036/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1534551%2C00.html |archive-date=1 March 2012 }} Luton's poor run of league form continued.{{cite news |title=Bournemouth 1–1 Luton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7847936.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 January 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009}}{{cite news |title=Luton 1–2 Bury |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7858200.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 January 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009}}

A series of postponements due to adverse weather meant the club did not play for another two weeks and, when they did, they lost 2–1 to Dagenham & Redbridge.{{cite news |title=Dag & Red 2–1 Luton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7876772.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 February 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216185508/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7876772.stm |archive-date=16 February 2009 |url-status=live}}

17 February saw Brighton & Hove Albion return for the second leg of the Football League Trophy Southern Area Final. Luton took the lead after 59 seconds through Craddock, following a defensive mix-up. Brighton equalised with a Nicky Forster goal before David Livermore was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Spillane. Neither club made a breakthrough in the remainder of the match, which went to a penalty shoot-out. Luton's on-loan goalkeeper from Derby County, Lewis Price, saved from Jason Jarrett and Chris Birchall to take Luton into the final against Scunthorpe United on 5 April at Wembley Stadium.{{cite news |title=Luton 1–1 Brighton (aet) |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7884073.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 February 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219165608/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7884073.stm |archive-date=19 February 2009 |url-status=live}} This appeared to have given Luton something of a confidence boost as they then went four games unbeaten in the league. Craddock scored again against Shrewsbury Town as Luton won 3–1,{{cite news |title=Luton 3–1 Shrewsbury |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7903799.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 February 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224150533/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7903799.stm |archive-date=24 February 2009 |url-status=live}} and carried on his scoring form over the next month.

The next major game was on 17 March against relegation rivals Grimsby Town. Grimsby boss Mike Newell, formerly manager of Luton Town, was suing the club for unfair dismissal.{{cite news |title=Mike Newell to feel force of Luton Town fury |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article5914237.ece |work=The Times |date=16 March 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009 |location=London |first=Kaveh |last=Solhekol}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Newell received an angry reception, which turned to jeers when Hall scored a last minute winner to give Luton the three points.{{cite news |title=Luton 2–1 Grimsby |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7935462.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 March 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323200129/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7935462.stm |archive-date=23 March 2009 |url-status=live}}

Macclesfield Town then visited Kenilworth Road, and a Craddock penalty was enough to secure a 1–0 victory for Luton – the first time the club had secured two straight wins all season.{{cite news |title=Luton 1–0 Macclesfield |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7937385.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 March 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323125550/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7937385.stm |archive-date=23 March 2009 |url-status=live}} Meanwhile, the club announced they had sold out their allocated 30,000 tickets for the Football League Trophy final almost immediately, and were given another 8,500 which went just as fast – setting a record for the most fans at Wembley Stadium from one club. However, Luton were told they would not be given any more due to "segregation issues". As a result, the final saw 40,000 Wembley seats empty.{{cite news |title=Hatters sell-out Wembley |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1596452,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=19 March 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322053008/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1596452%2C00.html |archive-date=22 March 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}

26 March, loan deadline day, saw Luton bring in experienced midfielder David Livermore from Brighton & Hove Albion on a month's loan. Meanwhile, young striker Ryan Charles moved to Kettering Town on loan, also for a month.{{cite news |title=Hatters loan Livermore |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1603914,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=26 March 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090329020322/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1603914%2C00.html |archive-date=29 March 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} Two days later the Hatters travelled to Morecambe, unbeaten in twelve games. Goals from Martin and Gallen saw Luton beat Morecambe 2–1 and, in doing so, managed three straight wins for the first time since the 2004–05 League One winning season.{{cite news |title=Morecambe 1–2 Luton |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10372~45006,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=28 March 2009 |access-date=29 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726074028/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10372~45006,00.html |archive-date=26 July 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} Luton were now only eight points behind Chester City and with a game in hand. The match that Tuesday against Rotherham United, Luton's game in hand, could not have been more vital, but the Hatters ended up being defeated 4–2 and suffered a severe blow to their hopes of escaping relegation.

The FA hearings from the Bradford City game in January rolled around for Nicholls, Mick Harford and the club on 23 March – Harford was fined a total of £1,000, the club £2,000, and Nicholls £1,000. Nicholls was also handed a five-match ban to begin on 7 April – however, the club lodged an appeal against the ban on 31 March, delaying its effect until after the appeal was heard.{{cite news |title=FA Disciplinary Hearings |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1601163,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=24 March 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327060613/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1601163%2C00.html |archive-date=27 March 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy}}{{cite news |title=Town to appeal against Nico ban |url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/lut/Town-to-appeal-against-Nico.5127265.jp |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130422051018/http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/lut/Town-to-appeal-against-Nico.5127265.jp |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 April 2013 |work=Luton Today |publisher=Johnston Press |date=31 March 2009 |access-date=29 April 2009 }}

April began with the news that the club had won their case against former manager Mike Newell. Newell claimed that in his contract he had been entitled to 10% of any profit on players sold. However, his claim for £400,000 in unpaid transfer money was not upheld by a Football League panel on 31 March.{{cite news |title=Newell loses case against the Town |url=http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/luton-sport/Newell-loses-case-against-the.5152463.jp |work=Dunstable Today |publisher=Johnston Press |date=1 April 2009 |access-date=30 April 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}

File:Luton Town Football League Trophy 2009.png staff celebrate winning the Football League Trophy.]]

5 April finally came, and Luton faced Scunthorpe United at Wembley Stadium in the Football League Trophy final as 40,000 Luton supporters converged on Wembley, dwarfing Scunthorpe's support of 13,000. Brian Mawhinney, Chairman of the Football League, was roundly booed by the Luton support before the game, in protest at the huge point deductions imposed at the start of the season. When the game got going, however, it was Scunthorpe who drew first blood in a pulsating match. Gary Hooper put Scunthorpe ahead early on with a low shot past Dean Brill. Craddock set up Martin with a superb cross a few minutes later, and Martin chested the ball down to shoot into the far corner to make it 1–1. In the second half, Craddock scored a half-volley from the edge of the box to make it 2–1, but Grant McCann forced extra time with a spectacular strike with only minutes left. Craddock was substituted and replaced by French defender Gnakpa, played in an unusually forward role by Mick Harford – it was a gamble which paid off, as Gnakpa ran onto a long ball from Keith Keane and got a touch that carried the ball over Joe Murphy and into the net, sending the supporters wild. Luton clung on, with man-of-the-match captain Nicholls at the centre of the game, and held on to win the match 3–2 and bring the Football League Trophy to Luton for the first time.{{cite news |title=Luton 3–2 Scunthorpe (aet) |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7975143.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 April 2009 |access-date=6 April 2009}}

Only eight days later, Luton lost their League status – Lincoln City dealt another blow, as Luton were held to a 0–0 draw, and the final nail in the coffin came two days later as, on 13 April 2009, Luton Town were finally relegated from The Football League after a spell of 89 years.{{cite news |title=Lincoln City 0–0 Luton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7979660.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 April 2009 |access-date=13 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414075323/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7979660.stm |archive-date=14 April 2009 |url-status=live}} Chesterfield held Luton to a draw and, coupled with former Luton manager Mike Newell's Grimsby Town side winning, this meant the club's survival in the league became mathematically impossible to achieve.{{cite news |title=Luton 0–0 Chesterfield |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7979729.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 April 2009 |access-date=13 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415104114/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7979729.stm |archive-date=15 April 2009 |url-status=live}}

{{cquote|I found out at five to five. I looked at the clock in the dressing room and said to the players: "Remember this time – five to five, on 13 April. This is the rebirth of Luton Town Football Club.|20px|20px|Mick Harford, Manager, Luton Town{{cite news |title=Harford: A new era starts |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/PostMatchReaction/0,,10372~1625443,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=13 April 2009 |access-date=29 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416043819/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/PostMatchReaction/0%2C%2C10372~1625443%2C00.html |archive-date=16 April 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}}}

Relegation opened the question of whether Luton would be allowed to enter the Football League Trophy during the 2009–10 season. Luton soon submitted an application to the Football League, asking for special dispensation to defend their title.{{cite news |title=Hatters hoping to defend trophy |url=http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1824_5162740,00.html |publisher=Teamtalk |date=13 April 2009 |access-date=3 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090513054917/http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0%2C16368%2C1824_5162740%2C00.html |archive-date=13 May 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}

A Rossi Jarvis goal saved a point at Barnet on 18 April. Nicholls was sent off late on for collecting two yellow cards, and Brill saved a penalty from former Hatter Paul Furlong.{{cite news |title=Barnet 1–1 Luton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7989965.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 April 2009 |access-date=20 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422010426/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7989965.stm |archive-date=22 April 2009 |url-status=live}} Wycombe Wanderers then came to Kenilworth Road, but despite Luton forcing pressure on the promotion contenders, Wycombe managed a goal on the break following an error by Sol Davis and Luton failed to find an equaliser.{{cite news |title=Luton 0–1 Wycombe |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8002115.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 April 2009 |access-date=22 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423072958/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8002115.stm |archive-date=23 April 2009 |url-status=live}} Luton's last home game in the Football League was a 1–1 draw with promotion chasers Rochdale, with Craddock scoring a penalty before Adam Rundle rescued a point for the visitors.{{cite news |title=Luton 1–1 Rochdale |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8002144.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 April 2009 |access-date=26 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428130140/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8002144.stm |archive-date=28 April 2009 |url-status=live}}

27 April saw the appeal against the Nicholls ban heard at the FA, and the decision was upheld, meaning that Nicholls would miss the match against Brentford on 2 May, as well as the first four games of the 2009–10 season.{{cite news |title=Nico to miss start of season |url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/lut/Nico-to-miss-start-of.5214473.jp |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420222943/http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/lut/Nico-to-miss-start-of.5214473.jp |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 April 2013 |work=Luton Today |publisher=Johnston Press |date=29 April 2009 |access-date=29 April 2009 }} Two days later, long-serving club secretary Cherry Newbury, an employee since 1978, finally left by mutual consent after a period of suspension on full pay starting in January. Newbury had been secretary since 1994, and was implicated as the employee who drew The Football Association's attention to former directors paying agents through the club's holding company.{{cite news |title=Goodbye to long-serving club secretary |url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/lut/Goodbye-to-longserving-club-secretary.5222432.jp |work=Luton Today |publisher=Johnston Press |date=30 April 2009 |access-date=1 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504094838/http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/lut/Goodbye-to-longserving-club-secretary.5222432.jp |archive-date=4 May 2009 |url-status=live}}

Luton Town bowed out of the Football League after 89 years with a 2–0 defeat at champions Brentford.{{cite news |title=Brentford 2–0 Luton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8015039.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 May 2009 |access-date=3 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504090311/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8015039.stm |archive-date=4 May 2009 |url-status=live}}

The first signing of the summer for Luton's time in non-League football was announced on 26 May, as lifelong Luton Town supporter Andy Burgess signed a two-year contract, joining from Rushden & Diamonds on a free transfer.{{cite news |title=Luton snap up midfielder Burgess |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/8069110.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 May 2009 |access-date=27 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530091607/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/8069110.stm |archive-date=30 May 2009 |url-status=live}} The next day saw five players released – Parkin, Dean Morgan, Paul McVeigh, Davis and Brill all left as their contracts had ended.{{cite news |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1670246,00.html |title=Hatters release quintet |date=27 May 2009 |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |access-date=28 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530071911/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1670246%2C00.html |archive-date=30 May 2009 |url-status=dead }} Adam Newton signed a two-year contract on 28 May following his release from Brentford, as regeneration of the squad continued.{{cite news |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1675112,00.html |title=Hatters quick to nab Newton |date=28 May 2009 |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |access-date=28 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531072853/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1675112%2C00.html |archive-date=31 May 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} Gallen signed a new one-year deal the same day.{{cite news |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1674743,00.html |title=Gallen agrees one year extension |date=28 May 2009 |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |access-date=28 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531072813/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1674743%2C00.html |archive-date=31 May 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy}} Young defender Howells signed his first professional deal on 2 June.{{cite news |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1685181,00.html |title=Howells pens professional deal |date=2 June 2009 |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |access-date=3 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611194158/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1685181%2C00.html |archive-date=11 June 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} Three days later, Liam Hatch arrived on loan from Peterborough United for the 2009–10 season.{{cite news |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1687065,00.html |title=Ambitious Hatters hatch a plan |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=5 June 2009 |access-date=5 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611172152/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1687065%2C00.html |archive-date=11 June 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} Central defender Alan White rejoined Luton on 8 June, nine years after leaving in 2000.{{cite news |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1688554,00.html |title=White returns to Kenilworth Road |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=8 June 2009 |access-date=8 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612023241/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1688554%2C00.html |archive-date=12 June 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}

On 15 June, the request to defend the Football League Trophy title was turned down.{{cite news |title=Hatters refused JPT place |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1692868,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=15 June 2009 |access-date=15 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618143836/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1692868%2C00.html |archive-date=18 June 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} Experienced goalkeeper Mark Tyler signed a two-year deal two years later.{{cite news |title=Town swoop to tie-up Tyler deal |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1695038,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=17 June 2009 |access-date=17 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090619200803/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1695038%2C00.html |archive-date=19 June 2009 |url-status=dead }}

Luton Town results given first.

{{for|information on this season's FA Cup|2008–09 FA Cup}}

|- style="background:#fdd;"

| style="text-align:center;"|2nd round||29 November 2008||Southend United|| style="text-align:center;"|Away|| style="text-align:center;"|1–3|| style="text-align:center;"|4,111|| style="text-align:center;"|Spillane

|}

{{for|information on this season's Football League Cup|2008–09 Football League Cup}}

{{for|information on this season's Football League Trophy|2008–09 Football League Trophy}}

|- style="background:#dfd;"

| style="text-align:center;"|Southern
Quarter Final||4 November 2008||Walsall|| style="text-align:center;"|Away|| style="text-align:center;"|1–0|| style="text-align:center;"|{{0}}1,844|| style="text-align:center;"|Jarvis

|- style="background:#dfd;"

| style="text-align:center;"|Southern
Semi-final||16 December 2008||Colchester United|| style="text-align:center;"|Home|| style="text-align:center;"|1–0|| style="text-align:center;"|{{0}}2,638|| style="text-align:center;"|Gnakpa

|- style="background:#ffd;"

| style="text-align:center;"|Southern
Final
First Leg||20 January 2009||Brighton & Hove Albion|| style="text-align:center;"|Away|| style="text-align:center;"|0–0|| style="text-align:center;"|{{0}}6,127|| style="text-align:center;"|—

|- style="background:#ffd;"

| style="text-align:center;"|Southern
Final
Second Leg||17 February 2009||Brighton & Hove Albion|| style="text-align:center;"|Home|| style="text-align:center;"|1–1|| style="text-align:center;"|{{0}}8,711|| style="text-align:center;"|Craddock|| style="text-align:center;"|{{ref label|pens1|A|}}

|- style="background:#dfd;"

| style="text-align:center;"|Final||5 April 2009||Scunthorpe United|| style="text-align:center;"|Neutral|| style="text-align:center;"|3–2|| style="text-align:center;"|55,378|| style="text-align:center;"|Martin, Craddock, Gnakpa|| style="text-align:center;"|{{ref label|aet|C|}}

|}

{{:2008–09 Football League Two|showteam=LUT}}

:Last match played on 2 May 2009. Players with a zero in every column only appeared as unused substitutes.{{cite news |title=Luton 2008/2009 player appearances |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/squad_season.sd?seasonid=138&teamid=2910 |work=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=3 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831003753/http://www.soccerbase.com/squad_season.sd?seasonid=138&teamid=2910 |archive-date=31 August 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}

:Only competitive games from the 2008–09 season are included.

:Correct as of 13 November 2009.

:Awarded on 26 April 2009,{{cite news |title=LTSC Awards Night Winners |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1640544,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=26 April 2009 |access-date=29 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430145437/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1640544%2C00.html |archive-date=30 April 2009 |url-status=dead }} except Loyal Luton award awarded on 24 April 2009.{{cite news |title=Loyal Luton |url=http://www.loyalluton.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070320042925/http://www.loyalluton.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 March 2007 |publisher=Loyal Luton Supporters Club |date=24 April 2009 |access-date=3 May 2009 }}

|}

• List of Luton Town F.C. seasons

{{refbegin}}

:A. {{note|pens1}} Luton won 4–3 in a penalty shootout.

:B. {{note|pens2}} Luton won 4–2 in a penalty shootout.

:C. {{note|aet}} Luton Town won the match 3–2 after extra time, after the score was 2–2 after 90 minutes.

:D. {{note|martin}} The goal of the season was chosen to be Chris Martin's goal on 5 April against Scunthorpe United at Wembley Stadium in the Football League Trophy final.

{{refend}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Luton Town F.C. seasons}}

{{2008–09 in English football}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2008-09 Luton Town F.C. season}}

Category:Luton Town F.C. seasons

Luton Town