History of Luton Town F.C. (1970–present)

File:LutonTownFCBadge1973-1987.png

Malcolm Macdonald took his goalscoring form into 1970–1971 as Luton did extremely well in their first season back in the Second Division, finishing sixth and only seven points away from promotion to the First Division.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1970–1971 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1970-1971

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 22 July 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090722200426/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1970-1971

| url-status = live

}} However, success on the pitch was not matched off it – April saw the club announce a £173,116 loss, and the club appealed to the supporters for money to cover their shortfalls.{{cite book

| title=Rothman's Football Yearbook 1971–72

| publisher=The Queen Anne Press

| year=1971

| first=Leslie

| last=Vernon

| chapter=April 1971}} In the end, it was Macdonald himself who ended the crisis as he was sold to Newcastle United for £180,000 a month later.{{cite book

| title=Rothman's Football Yearbook 1971–72

| publisher=The Queen Anne Press

| year=1971

| first=Leslie

| last=Vernon

| chapter=May 1971}}

Two years in mid-table followed Macdonald's sale, as Luton finished first 13th,{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1971–1972 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1971-1972

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 23 August 2011

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110823063202/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1971-1972

| url-status = live

}} then 12th.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1972–1973 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1972-1973

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 11 January 2011

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110111104722/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1972-1973

| url-status = live

}} In 1972 manager Alec Stock moved on to be replaced by Harry Haslam. Luton managed a second-place finish in 1973–1974 which saw them promoted, but only managed a solitary year in the top flight, as 1974–1975 ended with relegation by a single point.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1973–1974 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1973-1974

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 24 November 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091124183721/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1973-1974

| url-status = live

}}{{cite web

|title = Luton Town 1974–1975 : Results

|url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1974-1975

|publisher = Statto

|access-date = 2009-05-21

|url-status = dead

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090901070948/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1974-1975

|archive-date = 1 September 2009}} December 1975 saw another serious financial crisis at the club, with a special meeting called for the club's shareholders. The refusal of the club's bankers to extend their credit led to Luton's directors paying the wage bill with their own money to prevent the club from being closed down. Liquidation was averted by the sale of Peter Anderson to Royal Antwerp, with the £80,000 raised alleviating the strain on the club's finances.{{cite book

| title=Rothman's Football Yearbook 1976–77

| publisher=The Queen Anne Press

| year=1976

| first=Leslie

| last=Vernon

| chapter=December 1975

| isbn=0-362-00259-2}}{{cite web

| title = Only on the Ball... with Ricky Hill

| url = http://www2.lutontoday.co.uk/fanzine/0809season/fanzine05/page08.htm

| first = Steve

| last = Sims

| work = The Luton News

| publisher = Bedfordshire Newspapers

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 19 July 2011

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110719125950/http://www2.lutontoday.co.uk/fanzine/0809season/fanzine05/page08.htm

| url-status = live

}} Despite these backroom problems, Luton still managed a creditable seventh-place finish in 1975–1976.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1975–1976 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1975-1976

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 24 January 2011

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110124202049/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1975-1976

| url-status = live

}}

The next season saw Luton finish sixth,{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1976–1977 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1976-1977

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 4 October 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091004111841/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1976-1977

| url-status = live

}} before a drop to 13th in 1977–1978 prompted Haslam's departure to Sheffield United.{{cite web

|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=586

|title=Harry Haslam's managerial career

|work=Soccerbase

|publisher=Centurycomm

|access-date=2009-05-21

|archive-date=14 November 2004

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041114075636/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=586

|url-status=live

}}{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1977–1978 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1977-1978

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 27 March 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090327122151/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1977-1978

| url-status = live

}} This gave the young assistant manager, David Pleat, his chance.{{cite web

|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=351

|title=David Pleat's managerial career

|work=Soccerbase

|publisher=Centurycomm

|access-date=2009-05-21

|archive-date=27 June 2009

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627050543/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=351

|url-status=live

}} The club came close to the drop during Pleat's first full season in charge but, following the shrewd acquisition of a number of key players, the club were soon challenging for promotion once again.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1978–1979 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1978-1979

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 24 January 2011

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110124202057/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1978-1979

| url-status = live

}} Pleat's astute signings, including Mal Donaghy, David Moss and captain Brian Horton, complemented the existing home-grown talent personified by skilful midfielder Ricky Hill and prolific goalscorer Brian Stein. Pleat even dabbled in the overseas market, signing Yugoslav defender Raddy Antić from Spanish club Real Zaragoza in 1980.{{cite web

|title = LUTON TOWN : 1946/47 – 2007/08

|url = http://www.neilbrown.newcastlefans.com/luton/luton.html

|first = Neil

|last = Brown

|publisher = Post War English & Scottish Football League A – Z Player's Database

|access-date = 2009-05-21

|archive-date = 14 August 2018

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180814035406/http://www.neilbrown.newcastlefans.com/luton/luton.html

|url-status = live

}} Luton came sixth,{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1979–1980 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1979-1980

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 28 January 2011

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110128041315/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1979-1980

| url-status = live

}} then fifth,{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1980–1981 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1980-1981

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 4 August 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090804125724/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1980-1981

| url-status = live

}} and then romped home as champions in 1981–1982, spending only one week off of the top spot from October onwards, amassing 88 points and clinching the championship eight points ahead of second placed arch-rivals Watford.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1981–1982 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1981-1982

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 30 March 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090330013709/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1981-1982

| url-status = live

}}

File:DavidPleatJig.png's "jig of joy" at Maine Road in 1983]]

Under Pleat, the club had developed a cavalier and attacking style of play, which was evident during 1982–1983 as Luton finished with the second highest tally of away goals, only one less than champions Liverpool.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1982–1983 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1982-1983

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 27 March 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090327090349/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1982-1983

| url-status = live

}} On the last day of the season, Luton needed all three points against relegation rivals Manchester City at Maine Road to stay in the division. City, needing only a point to avoid the drop, defended resolutely and few chances came to Luton – but with only seven minutes remaining, substitute Raddy Antić slammed home the winner to secure Luton's top flight status and prompt a manic and now infamous jig across the pitch from Pleat.{{cite news

| title = Classic matches at Maine Road

| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/3011383.stm

| publisher = BBC

| first = Chris

| last = Bevan

| date = 2003-05-03

| access-date = 2009-05-24

| archive-date = 1 July 2004

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040701001201/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/3011383.stm

| url-status = live

}} The next two seasons saw Luton consolidate as the club finished first 16th,{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1983–1984 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1983-1984

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 13 July 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090713233048/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1983-1984

| url-status = live

}} then 13th in 1984–1985 as they also reached the FA Cup semi-finals.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1984–1985 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1984-1985

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 27 March 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090327165925/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1984-1985

| url-status = live

}} Player sales continued as skilful forward Paul Walsh, the PFA Young Player of the Year,{{cite web|url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamHons/HonsPFAYngPlyr.html|title=England Player Honours – Professional Footballers' Association Young Players of the Year|publisher=England Football Online|access-date=2009-05-13|date=2009-04-27|archive-date=16 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016190555/http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamHons/HonsPFAYngPlyr.html|url-status=live}} was sold to Liverpool in the summer of 1984.{{cite web

|title = Paul Walsh

|url = http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/team/past_players/players/walsh/

|publisher = Liverpool F.C.

|access-date = 2009-05-21

|url-status = dead

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090802185449/http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/team/past_players/players/walsh/

|archive-date = 2 August 2009}}

1983–1984 brought an excellent first half of the season for Luton, whose 3–0 win at Notts County on Boxing Day had seen them occupy third place in the league, putting them just five points behind leaders Liverpool and sparking hopes of a title challenge.{{Cite web |url=http://www.lutontown-mad.co.uk/footydb/loadgen.asp?day=26&month=Dec&ssnno=113&teamno=350 |title=Hatters MAD - the definitive Luton Town website. Independent news and stats from footymad.net |access-date=12 May 2011 |archive-date=29 July 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020729124052/http://www.lutontown-mad.co.uk/footydb/loadgen.asp?Day=26&Month=Dec&ssnno=113&teamno=350 |url-status=live }} However, their form during the second half of the season was less impressive, and by the time of a 5–0 home defeat against Manchester United on 12 February 1984 they were ninth in the league and looking increasing unlikely to qualify for the UEFA Cup, let alone win the league title.{{cite web |url=http://www.lutontown-mad.co.uk/footydb/loadgen.asp?day=12&month=Feb&ssnno=113&teamno=350 |title=Canon First Division 12th February 1984 1983/1984 |website=www.lutontown-mad.co.uk |access-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909085425/http://www.lutontown-mad.co.uk/footydb/loadgen.asp?day=12&month=Feb&ssnno=113&teamno=350 |archive-date=9 September 2012 |url-status=dead}} Luton's form continued to decline, and they finished the season in 16th place – just three points clear of the relegation zone.{{Cite web |url=https://www.fchd.info/lghist/fl1984.htm |title=Football Club History Database - Football League 1983-84 |access-date=9 October 2012 |archive-date=31 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231172743/http://www.fchd.info/lghist/fl1984.htm |url-status=live }}

December 1984 saw the arrival of attacker Mick Harford from Birmingham City.{{cite web | url=http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=18392 | title=Mick Harford | publisher=Sporting Heroes | access-date=2009-05-21 }} 13 March 1985 saw an infamous riot by Millwall supporters before, during and after an FA Cup sixth-round tie, which caused noticeable damage to the ground and the surrounding area.{{cite news

| last = Davies

| first = Christopher

| title = Millwall hopes to leave dark history behind in F.A. Cup final

| newspaper = The Japan Times

| date = 2004-05-21

| url = http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/sp20040521cd.htm

| access-date = 2008-03-26

| archive-date = 19 December 2012

| archive-url = https://archive.today/20121219162452/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/sp20040521cd.htm

| url-status = live

}} The club reacted by imposing an unpopular{{cite web

| title = Luton Town history

| publisher = Luton Town F.C.

| url = http://www.lutontown.co.uk/club/history/

| access-date = 2014-01-29

| archive-date = 15 January 2014

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140115053832/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/club/history/

| url-status = live

}} ban on all away supporters from Kenilworth Road, as well as introducing a scheme that would require even home supporters to carry membership cards to be admitted to matches.{{cite journal

| date = 1990-05-24

| title = Luton may end its ban on supporters

| journal = The Times

| publisher = Times Newspapers

}} Luton did manage to beat Millwall 1–0, to book a semi-final clash with Everton on 13 April at Villa Park. Everton were overwhelmingly expected to win the game, as they were in process of winning the league title by a comfortable margin and were also on their way to glory in the European Cup Winners' Cup, but Luton held their own against the Merseyside club, who needed extra time to edge them out with a 2–1 win.{{Cite web |url=http://www.lutontown-mad.co.uk/footydb/loadtmrs.asp?ssnno=114&teamno=350 |title=Hatters MAD - the definitive Luton Town website. Independent news and stats from footymad.net |access-date=12 May 2011 |archive-date=11 June 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030611140102/http://www.lutontown-mad.co.uk/footydb/loadtmrs.asp?SsnNo=114&TeamNo=350 |url-status=live }} On the league scene, Luton finished 13th in the First Division and had never been in any real danger of relegation.{{cite web |url=http://www.lutontown-mad.co.uk/footydb/loadgen.asp?day=28&month=May&ssnno=114&teamno=350 |title=Canon First Division 28th May 1985 1984/1985 |website=www.lutontown-mad.co.uk |access-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905164428/http://www.lutontown-mad.co.uk/footydb/loadgen.asp?day=28&month=May&ssnno=114&teamno=350 |archive-date=5 September 2012 |url-status=dead}}

Luton also decided to rip up the grass pitch at Kenilworth Road and install an artificial playing surface before the start of the 1985–1986 season. The new surface became exceedingly unpopular and was derided as "the plastic pitch".{{cite news

| title = Unlucky Luton, a reminder of football's forgotten days

| work = Liverpool Daily Post

| publisher = Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales

| date = 2009-04-17

| url = http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/sport/liverpool-football/2009/04/17/sean-mcguire-unlucky-luton-a-reminder-of-football-s-forgotten-days-92534-23405017/

| access-date = 2009-05-08

| archive-date = 25 March 2012

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120325002307/http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/sport/liverpool-football/2009/04/17/sean-mcguire-unlucky-luton-a-reminder-of-football-s-forgotten-days-92534-23405017/

| url-status = live

}}{{cite journal | last=Lawton | first=Graham | title=Pitch battle over artificial grass | journal=New Scientist | issue=2502 | pages=35 | date=4 June 2005 | url=https://www.newscientist.com/channel/mech-tech/mg18625021.300 | access-date=2009-05-21 | archive-date=17 February 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060217120227/http://www.newscientist.com/channel/mech-tech/mg18625021.300 | url-status=live }} That season, they had the distinction of ending Manchester United's 10-match winning start to the league campaign, holding them to a 1–1 draw at Kenilworth Road in their 11th league game on 5 October 1985.{{cite web |url=http://www.manchester-united-fans-site.com/manchester-united-results-1985-86.html |title=Manchester United Results 1985-86, Division One, FA Cup, League Cup |access-date=2011-05-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905231124/http://www.manchester-united-fans-site.com/manchester-united-results-1985-86.html |archive-date=5 September 2011}}

The end of 1985–1986 saw Pleat leave Luton, as he moved on to Tottenham Hotspur, but his final season ended on a high with a ninth-place finish. He handed over the reins to coach John Moore, who guided Luton to a seventh-place finish in 1986–1987, which remains to this day the club's highest ever finish in the English football league system - placing them above the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.

Moore then resigned and was replaced by his assistant Ray Harford.{{cite web

|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=826

|title=John Moore's managerial career

|work=Soccerbase

|publisher=Centurycomm

|access-date=2009-05-21

|archive-date=14 November 2004

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041114080930/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=826

|url-status=live

}}{{cite web

|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=1056

|title=Ray Harford's managerial career

|work=Soccerbase

|publisher=Centurycomm

|access-date=2009-05-21

|archive-date=21 September 2005

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050921174247/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=1056

|url-status=live

}}{{cite web

|title = Luton Town 1986–1987 : Results

|url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1986-1987

|publisher = Statto

|access-date = 2009-05-21

|url-status = dead

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090327122705/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1986-1987

|archive-date = 27 March 2009}}

The 1987–1988 campaign was the most successful yet – Luton achieved a famous 3–2 victory over Arsenal in the League Cup final at Wembley. Luton stunned the holders by taking a 1–0 lead early on through Brian Stein, and leading by that score at half time. By the 74th minute Arsenal had overhauled them, leading 2–1, and were still ahead with ten minutes to go with Luton's goal continually under siege throughout the second half. The match spun on its head when stand-in goalkeeper Andy Dibble turned Nigel Winterburn's penalty around the post with ten minutes left – had Winterburn scored, Arsenal would have almost certainly have won the final. In the last seven minutes Luton, galvanised by new self-belief, scored twice to win 3–2, Brian Stein sealing the win with the last kick of the match. On top of this, Luton finished ninth in the First Division, reached the FA Cup semi-finals before falling to eventual winners Wimbledon at White Hart Lane, and played at Wembley in the Simod Cup final against Reading, but lost 4–1. The League Cup triumph, still Luton's only major trophy, would have been enough for UEFA Cup qualification; but at this time all English teams were banned from European competitions due to the Heysel Stadium Disaster three years earlier.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1987–1988 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1987-1988

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 29 May 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090529081350/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1987-1988

| url-status = live

}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,957533,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603115510/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,957533,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 June 2008|title=World Notes Britain|magazine=Time|date=1989-04-24|access-date=2009-05-08 }}

During the 80's, Luton often visited Sweden for training camps and friendly matches. In 1988, they met the newly formed team Västerviks FF and won 2–1.{{Cite web|title=När Carlhall imponerade mot internationellt motstånd – Västerviks-Tidningen|url=https://vt.se/artikel/grmeg0ml|access-date=2021-12-07|website=vt.se|language=sv}}

The 1988–1989 season saw Luton slide down to a 16th-place finish, although they did reach another League Cup final, losing to Nottingham Forest,{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1988–1989 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1988-1989

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 25 March 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090325052919/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1988-1989

| url-status = live

}} and, half-way through the season, Luton's key players started being sold off. Danish international forward Lars Elstrup became Luton's record signing in August 1989, costing a club record £850,000, but Mick Harford was sold to Derby County in January.{{Cite web

| url = http://www.soccerbase.com/team_records.sd?teamid=1628

| title = Luton Town all time records

| work = Soccerbase

| publisher = Centurycomm

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 7 August 2007

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070807092043/http://www.soccerbase.com/team_records.sd?teamid=1628

| url-status = live

}} Ray Harford was sacked in January 1990, with Luton battling relegation, and coach Jim Ryan was promoted to manager. Ryan was sacked after 16 months in charge despite managing to keep Luton in the top flight in his first season, and securing survival again in his second.{{cite web

|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=573

|title=Jim Ryan's managerial career

|work=Soccerbase

|publisher=Centurycomm

|access-date=2009-04-21

|archive-date=14 November 2004

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041114062014/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=573

|url-status=live

}} Both seasons saw Luton escape relegation on the last day of the season, both times against Derby.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1989–1990 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1989-1990

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 4 August 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090804152637/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1989-1990

| url-status = live

}}{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1990–1991 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1990-1991

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 26 March 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090326015143/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1990-1991

| url-status = live

}}

David Pleat returned for his second spell as Luton boss during the summer of 1991. Elstrup rejoined Odense for £200,000,{{cite journal

| date = 1991-08-14

| title = Pleat out to revive old hit

| first = Clive

| last = White

| journal = The Times

| publisher = Times Newspapers

}} and Kingsley Black was sold to Nottingham Forest for £1,500,000.{{cite web

|url = http://www.soccerbase.com/transfers_by_team.sd?teamid=1628

|work = Soccerbase

|publisher = Centurycomm

|title = Luton Town Transfers

|access-date = 2009-06-17

|url-status = dead

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070807082251/http://www.soccerbase.com/transfers_by_team.sd?teamid=1628

|archive-date = 7 August 2007}} Striker Iain Dowie and full back Tim Breacker were both sold to West Ham United for a combined fee of £1,050,000.

Following a shaky start to the 1991–1992 season, Pleat took a gamble and re signed Mick Harford, who joined Luton for a second spell as a player for £325,000 in mid-September 1991. Brian Stein had already returned from FC Annecy for a second spell and Pleat had revived the forward line which had played a big part in Luton's success a few years earlier. Stein scored only three goals in 39 league appearances over the course of the season, but Harford proved to be a success once again as he ended the season as the club's top scorer for the season with 12 goals.{{cite web

| title = Brian Stein

| url = http://www.neilbrown.newcastlefans.com/player/brianstein.html

| first = Neil

| last = Brown

| publisher = Post War English & Scottish Football League A – Z Player's Database

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 4 March 2016

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042415/http://www.neilbrown.newcastlefans.com/player/brianstein.html

| url-status = live

}} The loan signing of goalkeeper Steve Sutton from Nottingham Forest revived Luton for a period, but the Board refused to supply the £300,000 fee required to keep Sutton permanently. Various loan signings such as veteran forward Imre Varadi failed to galvanise the side, but come the last day, Luton still had an outside chance of avoiding relegation, having won 10 league games at home but failed to win any of their away fixtures. Luton travelled to already-relegated Notts County knowing that they had to win their first away match of the season, and hope that Coventry lost at Aston Villa. Julian James gave Luton the lead they required, but two late goals from Rob Matthews saw County drag Luton down with them.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1991–1992 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1991-1992

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 29 May 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090529082508/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1991-1992

| url-status = live

}} This meant the club missed out on competing in the inaugural season of the Premier League and, with it, the larger amounts of money available through television rights.

File:Hartson, John.jpg's £2.5 million move to Arsenal in 1995 was a British record for a teenager.]]

With Luton's spell in the top flight finally over, it was always going to be difficult to keep hold of prize assets. So it proved when Mick Harford signed for Chelsea for £300,000. The first season in the new, three-division Football League almost saw Luton drop into the third tier of English football. The team was not helped by the involvement of Scottish duo Paul Telfer and Darren Salton in a motor accident early on in the season – under-21 international defender Salton was nearly killed, and never played again.{{cite news

| title = Liverpool denied a second chance

| url = https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-liverpool-denied-a-second-chance-1561750.html

| first = Alex

| last = Spillius

| work = The Independent

| publisher = Independent News & Media

| access-date = 2009-05-11

| location = London

| date = 1992-12-05

| archive-date = 26 April 2016

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160426045503/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-liverpool-denied-a-second-chance-1561750.html

| url-status = live

}} Luton were bottom of the table shortly into the New Year, and Pleat reacted by procuring a loan deal to bring Luton-born England international Kerry Dixon to the club on loan from Southampton. Dixon gelled well alongside Phil Gray up front, and Luton stayed up.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1992–1993 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1992-1993

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 18 February 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090218015048/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1992-1993

| url-status = live

}}

1993–1994 started with David Pleat making Dixon's move permanent, and re-signing Mitchell Thomas from West Ham United. Although Luton struggled in the league, form was found in the FA Cup – Scott Oakes starred as Luton raced to the FA Cup semi-final and a trip to Wembley. 27,500 Luton supporters saw Gavin Peacock seal a 2–0 win for Chelsea, and after the semi-final defeat, Luton lost five consecutive league games.{{cite news

| title = The forgotten story of ... the 1993–94 FA Cup

| url = https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2009/jan/14/fa-cup-classic-1993-94-football

| first = Rob

| last = Smyth

| work = The Guardian

| publisher = Guardian News and Media

| date = 2009-01-14

| access-date = 2009-05-11

| location = London

| archive-date = 15 October 2015

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151015181707/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2009/jan/14/fa-cup-classic-1993-94-football

| url-status = live

}} However, a 3–2 home win over West Bromwich Albion earned survival three games from the end of the season, keeping Luton in the second tier for another year.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1993–1994 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1993-1994

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 3 May 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090503095421/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1993-1994

| url-status = live

}}

File:LutonTown19942005.png

Luton laboured once again in 1994–1995, with the side struggling to score at home. Pleat's Luton side, including young players such as Oakes, Telfer and John Hartson, reacted positively when Pleat turned down the advances of Tottenham Hotspur to return to North London as General Manager, and rocketed up to fifth in the table, and for perhaps the first time in three seasons of Division One football, promotion was looking a real possibility. Hartson was bought by Arsenal for £2,500,000 soon after – a then-British record for a teenager.{{Cite web

| url = https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=3315

| title = John Hartson

| work = Soccerbase

| publisher = Centurycomm

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 26 January 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090126095428/http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=3315

| url-status = live

}} The season petered out into obscurity following Hartson's sale, and Luton finished 16th.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1994–1995 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1994-1995

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 13 March 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090313063402/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1994-1995

| url-status = live

}}

Pleat left for a second time in the summer of 1995, moving to Sheffield Wednesday. His successor Terry Westley was promoted from youth team coach, but was sacked after just six months in charge.{{cite web

|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=1192

|title=Terry Westley's managerial career

|work=Soccerbase

|publisher=Centurycomm

|access-date=2009-04-21

|archive-date=1 October 2007

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001192018/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=1192

|url-status=live

}} Lennie Lawrence was brought in as a replacement, but he was unable to stop Luton from finishing bottom of Division One.{{cite web

|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=901

|title=Lennie Lawrence's managerial career

|work=Soccerbase

|publisher=Centurycomm

|access-date=2009-04-21

|archive-date=9 February 2005

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050209181050/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=901

|url-status=live

}}{{cite news

| title = Winners and Losers

| url = https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/winners-and-losers-1345871.html

| work = The Independent

| publisher = Independent News & Media

| date = 1996-05-06

| access-date = 2009-05-13

| location = London

| archive-date = 1 July 2017

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170701043017/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/winners-and-losers-1345871.html

| url-status = live

}}{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1995–1996 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1995-1996

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 7 January 2010

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100107080257/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1995-1996

| url-status = live

}}

The 1996–1997 season started just as badly as the last, with three straight losses. However, the introduction of young forward Andrew Fotiadis saw Luton burst into life, as they shot up the table with a run of eight wins and two draws in eleven games. Tony Thorpe, too, proved to be a revelation, scoring 28 goals to become the division's top scorer. Luton were nearly promoted, but finished in third place on goal difference and then lost to Crewe Alexandra in the play-offs.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1996–1997 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1996-1997

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 28 January 2011

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110128042210/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1996-1997

| url-status = live

}}{{cite news

| title = Crewe hit back to knock out Luton

| url = https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-crewe-hit-back-to-knock-out-luton-1261674.html

| work = The Independent

| publisher = Independent News & Media

| first = Norman

| last = Fox

| date = 1997-05-15

| access-date = 2009-05-13

| location = London

| archive-date = 2 November 2012

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121102153646/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-crewe-hit-back-to-knock-out-luton-1261674.html

| url-status = live

}}

The summer of 1997 saw a Luton Town teenager with only two games under his belt, Matthew Upson, sold to Arsenal for £2 million.{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=8918 |title=Matthew Upson |work=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=9 April 2016 |archive-date=24 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024085509/http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=8918 |url-status=live }} To make matters worse, star forward Tony Thorpe was sold to Kevin Keegan's Fulham for £800,000. Just one place off the bottom of Division Two on deadline day, Luton looked doomed – but David Pleat, now Tottenham's Director of Football, handed Luton a lifeline – Rory Allen, who had just returned from injury, was sent on loan to the club to complete his recovery and fill Thorpe's boots Allen would do more than that, scoring six goals in his eight matches to keep Luton up.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1997–1998 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1997-1998

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 7 January 2010

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100107100600/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1997-1998

| url-status = live

}}

1998–1999 saw a 12th-place finish, and a run to the quarter-finals of the League Cup.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1998–1999 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1998-1999

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 28 January 2011

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110128042715/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1998-1999

| url-status = live

}} Just before the 1999–2000 season, the club was sold to Cliff Bassett, while player sales continued to balance the books. Young duo Kelvin Davis and Chris Willmott were sold to Wimbledon for £900,000, and Lawrence was forced to sell Gary Doherty late on in the season, but he successfully kept an inexperienced Luton side up once again.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 1999–2000 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1999-2000

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 28 January 2011

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110128040331/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/1999-2000

| url-status = live

}}

Mike Watson-Challis then purchased the club in 2000,{{cite web

| title = Luton Town Football Club

| url = http://agendas.luton.gov.uk/cmiswebpublic/Binary.ashx?Document=3796

| publisher = Luton Borough Council

| access-date = 2009-05-20

| archive-date = 27 July 2011

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110727132306/http://agendas.luton.gov.uk/cmiswebpublic/Binary.ashx?Document=3796

| url-status = live

}} and Lawrence was sacked to be replaced by former Luton player Ricky Hill.{{cite web

|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=1613

|title=Ricky Hill's managerial career

|work=Soccerbase

|publisher=Centurycomm

|access-date=2009-04-21

|archive-date=14 November 2004

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041114063347/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=1613

|url-status=live

}} Hill was dismissed in November after winning only two games, and in turn was replaced by another former player, Lil Fuccillo.{{cite news

| title = Fuccillo is new Luton boss

| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/1026525.stm

| publisher = BBC

| date = 2000-11-16

| access-date = 2009-05-21}}{{cite web

|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=913

|title=Lil Fuccilo's managerial career

|work=Soccerbase

|publisher=Centurycomm

|access-date=2009-04-21

|archive-date=14 November 2004

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041114065713/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=913

|url-status=live

}} Former Wimbledon manager Joe Kinnear was brought in, initially, as Director of Football, but his first act was to demote Fuccillo and install himself as manager.{{cite news

| title = Kinnear heads for the Hatters

| url = https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/kinnear-heads-for-the-hatters-690849.html

| work = The Independent | publisher = Independent News & Media

| date = 2001-02-08

| access-date = 2009-05-13

| location=London}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Kinnear brought towering forward Steve Howard to the club for only £50,000, but despite his best efforts, the club was relegated to the bottom division of The Football League for the first time since 1968.{{cite web

|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=765

|title=Joe Kinnear's managerial career

|work=Soccerbase

|publisher=Centurycomm

|access-date=2009-04-21

|archive-date=6 November 2012

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106161212/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=765

|url-status=live

}}{{cite news

| title = Rotherham on the rise as Luton fall

| url = https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/rotherham-on-the-rise-as-luton-fall-682572.html

| work = The Independent | publisher = Independent News & Media

| first = Trevor

| last = Haylett

| date = 2001-04-25

| access-date = 2009-05-13

| location=London}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 2000–2001 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2000-2001

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 13 January 2010

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100113013752/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2000-2001

| url-status = live

}}

File:Howard, Steve.jpg was the club's top goalscorer for five consecutive seasons (2001–2002 to 2005–2006).]]

Joe Kinnear set out his plan for Luton – they were to go back up at the first attempt. He oversaw a complete overhaul of the squad during the summer, building a team that was Luton's finest for some years. Midfielder Kevin Nicholls signed from Wigan Athletic for £25,000 and would go on to become a key figure in midfield, earning the club captaincy; a role he would hold for the next five years. Australian defender Chris Coyne signed from Dundee, again for a small fee of £50,000. Steve Howard ended the season by winning the Third Division golden boot award with 24 goals. Ending the season with a club-record 12 consecutive wins, Luton travelled to Swansea City at the end of March knowing that a win would guarantee them promotion back to the third tier at the first attempt. They duly won 3–1.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 2001–2002 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2001-2002

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 31 December 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091231132242/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2001-2002

| url-status = live

}}

At the end of the season, star players Jean-Louis Valois and Matthew Taylor both left under the bosman ruling. Valois moved to Scottish side Hearts after only one year in a Luton shirt and Taylor joined Portsmouth for a tribunal set fee of £400,000.{{Cite web

| url = https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=28224

| title = Jean-Louis Valois

| work = Soccerbase

| publisher = Centurycomm

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 1 October 2007

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071001191943/http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=28224

| url-status = live

}}{{Cite web

| url = https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=17236

| title = Matthew Taylor

| work = Soccerbase

| publisher = Centurycomm

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 24 September 2008

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080924170313/http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=17236

| url-status = live

}} Despite these losses, Luton still managed a ninth-place finish back in the third tier of English football in 2002–2003.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 2002–2003 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2002-2003

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 28 January 2011

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110128033907/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2002-2003

| url-status = live

}}

Partly fuelled by the collapse of broadcaster ITV Digital, it was revealed that the club was losing up to £500,000 per month.{{Cite web

| url= http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~312092,00.html

| title= No new money unless players sold

| publisher= Luton Town F.C.

| date= 1 December 2002

| access-date= 8 August 2010

| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120814005351/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~312092%2C00.html

| archive-date= 14 August 2012

| url-status= dead

}}{{Cite news

| title = New football chairman and deputy 'consider resigning'

| url = http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~386712,00.html

| publisher = Luton Town F.C.

| date = 27 May 2003

| access-date = 13 August 2010

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120820073939/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~386712%2C00.html

| archive-date = 20 August 2012

| url-status = dead

}} Chairman Mike Watson-Challis sold the club to a consortium headed by John Gurney in May 2003 and, days later, both Kinnear and his assistant Mick Harford were dismissed.{{cite news

| title = Kinnear parts company with Luton

| url = https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/kinnear-parts-company-with-luton-591034.html

| work = The Independent | publisher = Independent News & Media

| first = Lindsay

| last = Harrison

| date = 2003-05-24

| access-date = 2009-05-13

| location=London}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} A bizarre series of episodes followed, including the infamous "Manager Idol" phone-vote, an attempt to merge the club with Wimbledon, and plans for a 50,000 capacity stadium built on rafters over the M1 motorway, before Gurney was finally ousted by supporters' group Trust in Luton. Gurney left the club in administrative receivership, with his only legacy proving to be the appointment of Mike Newell as manager.{{cite news

| title = Luton directors quit as far-fetched merger is mooted

| url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/jun/10/newsstory.sport8

| work = The Guardian

| publisher = Guardian News and Media

| date = 2003-06-10

| access-date = 2009-03-25

| location = London

| first = Michael

| last = Walker

| archive-date = 1 December 2016

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161201224228/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/jun/10/newsstory.sport8

| url-status = live

}}{{cite news

| title = Luton pick Newell

| url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2406488/Luton-pick-Newell.html

| work = The Daily Telegraph

| date = 2003-06-23

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| location = London

| archive-date = 26 November 2018

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181126012519/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2406488/Luton-pick-Newell.html

| url-status = live

}}{{cite web

|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=1837

|title=Mike Newell's managerial career

|work=Soccerbase

|publisher=Centurycomm

|access-date=2009-05-21

|archive-date=2 May 2009

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502013416/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=1837

|url-status=live

}}

Newell brought Mick Harford back to the club as First Team Coach and Director of Football shortly after being appointed as manager. Newell surprised all the observers by taking the transfer-embargoed club to a tenth-place finish in 2003–2004, although he was not helped by the transfer of striker Tony Thorpe to Queen Park Rangers for £50,000. After a year in administrative receivership, Luton Town finally acquired new owners in May 2004 when a consortium led by former general manager Bill Tomlins bought the club.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 2003–2004 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2003-2004

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 16 April 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090416084136/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2003-2004

| url-status = live

}}{{cite web

| title = Luton hope to move if takeover successful

| url = http://www.breakingnews.ie/archives/2004/0526/sport/kfeysneygbcw/

| work = Breaking News

| publisher = Thomas Crosbie Media

| date = 2004-05-26

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 14 June 2011

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110614132325/http://www.breakingnews.ie/archives/2004/0526/sport/kfeysneygbcw/

| url-status = live

}}

File:Davies, Curtis.jpg was sold to West Bromwich Albion in 2005 for £3 million.]]

2004–2005 saw Luton win nine and draw one of their opening ten league fixtures to go nine points clear at the top of the newly named League One by the beginning of October. Experienced players such as Chris Coyne, Kevin Nicholls and Steve Howard gelled well alongside youngsters Curtis Davies, Keith Keane and Kevin Foley to create the template for a championship-winning side. Promotion was secured on 12 April, when third placed Tranmere Rovers were beaten 0–1 at Brentford, meaning that Luton could not finish lower than second. The League One title was sealed a fortnight later on 23 April, as Luton claimed a 2–1 victory at Wrexham.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 2004–2005 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2004-2005

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 12 April 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090412144707/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2004-2005

| url-status = live

}}{{cite news

| title = Round-up : Coventry end with demolition Derby

| url = https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/roundup--coventry-end-with-demolition-derby-489784.html

| work = The Independent

| publisher = Independent News & Media

| first = Geoff

| last = Brown

| date = 2005-05-01

| access-date = 2009-05-13

| location = London

| archive-date = 26 January 2012

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120126121139/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/roundup--coventry-end-with-demolition-derby-489784.html

| url-status = live

}}

2005–2006 saw few new players brought in, with the only money spent during the summer being the £100,000 parted with for David Bell, a midfielder signed from Rushden & Diamonds. Bosman ruling signings were order of the day, with Finland international Markus Heikkinen signing for Luton along with Trinidad and Tobago's Carlos Edwards. However, transfer deadline day saw star defender Curtis Davies sold to Premier League side West Bromwich Albion for a club record of £3,000,000.{{cite web

|title = Luton's transfers in 2005/2006

|url = http://www.soccerbase.com/transfers_by_team.sd?teamid=1628

|work = Soccerbase

|publisher = Centurycomm

|access-date = 2009-05-21

|url-status = dead

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070807082251/http://www.soccerbase.com/transfers_by_team.sd?teamid=1628

|archive-date = 7 August 2007}} Newell's side made a fine start, topping the table after the first three games and staying in the top three right up until the end of October, and the play-off places until mid-December. However, a blip in form saw Luton eventually slip down the table to finish in tenth place – still a remarkable feat. The FA Cup saw a memorable 5–3 defeat to European Champions Liverpool at Kenilworth Road.{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 2005–2006 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2005-2006

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 4 October 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091004081828/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2005-2006

| url-status = live

}}

File:Luton Town Football League Trophy 2009.png in 2009.]]

After a successful start to the 2006–2007 season, defender Sol Davis suffered a stroke on the team bus on the way to play Ipswich Town.{{cite news

| title = Round-up: Davis suffers stroke

| url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2349248/Round-up-Davis-suffers-stroke.html

| work = The Daily Telegraph

| date = 2006-11-01

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| location = London

| archive-date = 7 July 2016

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160707111612/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2349248/Round-up-Davis-suffers-stroke.html

| url-status = live

}} With the players clearly affected, Luton lost 5–0 at Portman Road and a long run of bad results followed.{{cite news

| title = Ipswich 5–0 Luton

| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6072790.stm

| publisher = BBC

| date = 2006-10-29

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 24 February 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090224170511/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6072790.stm

| url-status = live

}} By the end of February, Luton, by now a shadow of the side that had won promotion to the Championship only two years before, were hovering perilously close to the relegation zone.{{cite web

|title = Luton Town 2006–2007 : Results

|url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2006-2007

|publisher = Statto

|access-date = 2009-05-21

|url-status = dead

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090906075044/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2006-2007

|archive-date = 6 September 2009}}

Newell was sacked on 15 March 2007, and two directors, Martin King and Liam Day, resigned from the board in protest as a result.{{cite news

|title = Mike Newell leaves Luton

|url = http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~997378,00.html

|publisher = Luton Town F.C.

|date = 2007-03-16

|access-date = 2008-10-10

|url-status = dead

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111003081018/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~997378%2C00.html

|archive-date = 3 October 2011}}{{cite news

| title = Director resigns

| url = http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~997847,00.html

| publisher = Luton Town F.C.

| date = 2007-03-16

| access-date = 2008-10-10

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111003081049/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~997847%2C00.html

| archive-date = 3 October 2011

| url-status = dead

}} Brian Stein lasted just one game as caretaker boss before Luton-born Kevin Blackwell was announced as Luton's new manager.{{cite news

| title = Luton Town appoint new manager

| url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/content/articles/2007/03/27/luton_town_new_manager_feature.shtml

| publisher = BBC

| date = 2007-04-02

| access-date = 2009-05-13

| archive-date = 14 November 2012

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121114103611/http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/content/articles/2007/03/27/luton_town_new_manager_feature.shtml

| url-status = live

}}{{cite web

|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=1907

|title=Kevin Blackwell's managerial career

|work=Soccerbase

|publisher=Centurycomm

|access-date=2009-04-21

|archive-date=6 December 2008

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206031334/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=1907

|url-status=live

}} 11 April saw chairman Bill Tomlins resign his position following an investigation by the Football Association into irregular payments made by the club's parent company, and confirm that illegal payments had been made to incoming players' agents.{{cite news

| title = Financial Statement

| url = http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~999353,00.html

| publisher = Luton Town F.C.

| date = 2007-03-19

| access-date = 2008-10-10

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111003081128/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~999353%2C00.html

| archive-date = 3 October 2011

| url-status = dead

}}{{cite news

| title = Tomlins Resigns

| url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/content/articles/2007/04/11/bill_tomlins_resigns_110407_feature.shtml

| publisher = BBC

| date = 2007-04-11

| access-date = 2008-10-10

| archive-date = 14 November 2012

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121114024511/http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/content/articles/2007/04/11/bill_tomlins_resigns_110407_feature.shtml

| url-status = live

}} David Pinkney was confirmed as new chairman two days later, also acquiring a controlling interest in the club's holding company.{{cite news

| title = Pinkney named new Luton chairman

| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/6553927.stm

| publisher = BBC

| date = 2007-04-13

| access-date = 2009-05-22

| archive-date = 19 September 2007

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070919074102/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/6553927.stm

| url-status = live

}} Luton's relegation was confirmed a week later in a 1–0 defeat away to Derby County.{{cite news

| title = Nyatanga sends Luton down and lifts Derby into second place

| url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/apr/21/match.derbycounty

| first = Stuart

| last = James

| work = The Guardian

| publisher = Guardian News and Media

| date = 2007-04-21

| access-date = 2009-05-22

| location = London

| archive-date = 3 October 2014

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141003094246/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/apr/21/match.derbycounty

| url-status = live

}}{{cite news

| title = Press Release

| url = http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~1010670,00.html

| publisher = Luton Town F.C.

| date = 2007-04-13

| access-date = 2008-10-10

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111003081154/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~1010670%2C00.html

| archive-date = 3 October 2011

| url-status = dead

}}

After a poor start to the 2007–08 season, the club entered administration on 22 November 2007; Pinkney stated he would fund the club's overheads, while ten points were deducted. Meanwhile, the FA probe on transfer irregularities dragged on, described by Pinkney as "a storm in a teacup".{{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 = 2007-11-22

| access-date = 2007-11-22

| archive-date = 24 November 2007

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071124090057/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/7108271.stm

| url-status = live

}}{{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 Digital Publishing

| date = 2007-10-11

| access-date = 2008-10-10

| archive-date = 13 May 2008

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080513202705/http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/luton-sport/FA-probe-39storm-in-teacup39.3369031.jp

| url-status = live

}} Blackwell was sacked by the administrator on 15 January 2008, to be replaced by former player Mick Harford.{{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 = 2008-01-12

| access-date = 2009-04-29

| location = London

| first1 = Andy

| last1 = Hooper

| archive-date = 27 August 2018

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180827075429/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2288615/Kevin-Blackwell-resigns-from-Luton-Town.html

| url-status = live

}}{{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 = 2008-01-16

| access-date = 2009-04-29

| location = London

| first1 = Vicki

| last1 = Hodges

| first2 = Charlie

| last2 = Caroe

| archive-date = 27 August 2018

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180827075408/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2289140/Mick-Harford-replaces-Kevin-Blackwell-at-Luton.html

| url-status = live

}}{{cite web

|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=1986

|title=Mick Harford's managerial career

|work=Soccerbase

|publisher=Centurycomm

|access-date=2009-04-21

|archive-date=11 December 2012

|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121211051235/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=1986

|url-status=live

}} The club subsequently entered the custody of the Luton Town Football Club 2020 consortium, with broadcaster and Luton supporter Nick Owen named chairman.{{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

| date = 2008-02-26

| access-date = 2009-04-29

| archive-date = 2 March 2008

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080302041301/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/7266108.stm

| url-status = live

}} Luton were relegated to League Two on 12 April, following a 2–1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion;{{cite news| title = Luton 1–2 Brighton

| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7332121.stm

| publisher = BBC

| access-date = 2009-05-22 | date=2008-04-12}} Luton finished the season in bottom place, though even without the points deduction they would have been relegated regardless.{{cite web

|url=https://www.fchd.info/LUTONT.HTM

|title=Football Club History Database – Luton Town

|first=Richard

|last=Rundle

|publisher=Football Club History Database

|access-date=2009-04-29

|url-status=live

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529205257/http://www.fchd.info/LUTONT.HTM

|archive-date=29 May 2008

}}{{cite web

| title = Luton Town 2007–2008 : Results

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2007-2008

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21

| archive-date = 20 April 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090420013550/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2007-2008

| url-status = live

}}

The investigation into the illegal agents' payments was concluded in the summer, and the club was handed a ten-point deduction for the 2008–2009 season on 3 June 2008, along with a £50,000 fine. The club's recent history of administrations meant that the Football League only offered to return the Football League Share to Luton on the condition that they play with a further twenty-point deduction. Luton appealed, but lost. Staring down the barrel of a gun, Luton was forced to start the season with a 30-point penalty, the biggest points deduction ever handed to a club in the top four tiers of English football. This made it mathematically difficult to avoid being relegated from the league altogether.{{cite news

| title = Luton handed ten-point deduction next season

| url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article4069303.ece

| work = The Times | publisher = Times Newspapers

| date = 2008-06-04

| access-date = 2008-10-10 | location=London

| first=Kaveh

| last=Solhekol}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite news

| title = Luton Town lose appeal against points deduction

| url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article4340138.ece

| work = The Times

| publisher = Times Newspapers

| date = 2008-07-16

| access-date = 2008-07-17

| location = London

| first = Kaveh

| last = Solhekol

| archive-date = 18 September 2011

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110918040206/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article4340138.ece

| url-status = dead

}} Luton beat Scunthorpe United 3–2 in the Football League Trophy final in front of 40,000 of their supporters at Wembley Stadium,{{cite news

| title = Luton 3–2 Scunthorpe (aet)

| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7975143.stm

| publisher = BBC

| access-date = 2009-04-06

| date = 2009-04-05

| first = Paul

| last = Fletcher

| archive-date = 8 April 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090408040739/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7975143.stm

| url-status = live

}} but lost their League status eight days later. On 13 April 2009, Luton Town were finally relegated from the Football League after a spell of 89 years, as Chesterfield held Luton to a draw. Coupled with a victory for Mike Newell's Grimsby Town, this meant Luton'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

| access-date = 2009-04-13

| date = 2009-04-13

| archive-date = 15 April 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090415104114/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7979729.stm

| url-status = live

}}

After a disappointing start to non-League football – including a defeat to Wrexham described by Harford as "the worst performance in Luton Town's history"{{cite news| title = Worst ever Luton performance – Harford

| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/8271308.stm

| work = BBC Sport

| date = 23 September 2009

| access-date = 4 July 2009}} – another former Luton player, Richard Money, was made manager in his stead.{{cite news

| title = Luton appoint Money as new boss

| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/8334457.stm

| work = BBC Sport

| date = 30 October 2009

| access-date = 4 July 2010

| archive-date = 2 November 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091102091227/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/8334457.stm

| url-status = live

}} Performances improved following this change and towards the end of the season a run of nine consecutive victories saw Luton challenge Stevenage Borough for the title;{{cite news

| title = Luton Town 6–0 Grays Athletic

| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8595640.stm

| work = BBC Sport

| date = 5 April 2010

| access-date = 4 July 2010

| archive-date = 9 April 2010

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100409141155/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8595640.stm

| url-status = live

}} Despite beating Stevenage during this run, Luton could only finish second and thus entered the promotion play-offs. Luton lost both legs of the two-legged semi-final 1–0 to York City,{{cite news

| title = York City 1–0 Luton Town

| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8643867.stm

| work = BBC Sport

| date = 29 April 2010

| access-date = 4 July 2010

| archive-date = 14 August 2017

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170814023144/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8643867.stm

| url-status = live

}}{{cite news

| title = Luton Town 0–1 York City

| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8643892.stm

| work = BBC Sport

| date = 3 May 2010

| access-date = 4 July 2010

| archive-date = 6 May 2010

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100506041650/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8643892.stm

| url-status = live

}} resulting in a second successive season outside The Football League in 2010–2011.

This second season in non-League football finished with the club third in the table, and another managerial change in March 2011 saw Money leave and his assistant Gary Brabin installed as manager until the end of the season. Brabin led Luton to a 5–1 aggregate win over Wrexham in the play-off semi-final to set up a potential place back in The Football League, but AFC Wimbledon beat them 4–3 on penalties in the final after a goalless 120 minutes.{{cite news

| title = AFC Wimbledon 0–0 Luton (4–3 pens)

| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13418508.stm

| work = BBC Sport

| date = 21 May 2011

| access-date = 23 May 2011}} Despite the defeat, Brabin signed a two-year contract to continue on as Luton manager.{{cite news

|title=Brabin handed two-year deal

|url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2367958,00.html

|publisher=Luton Town F.C.

|date=27 May 2011

|access-date=27 May 2011

|url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530125152/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~2367958%2C00.html

|archive-date=30 May 2011

}}

After a decline in form towards the end of the 2011–2012 season that left Luton outside the play-off places, Brabin was replaced by former Torquay United and Bristol Rovers manager Paul Buckle on a two-year contract.{{cite news

|title=Luton Town dismiss manager Gary Brabin

|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17578109

|work=BBC Sport

|date=31 March 2012

|access-date=2 May 2012

|archive-date=3 April 2012

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403214231/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17578109

|url-status=live

}}{{cite news

|title= Paul Buckle is named as new Luton Town manager

|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17638073

|work= BBC Sport

|date= 6 April 2012

|access-date= 2 May 2012

|archive-date= 8 April 2012

|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120408231927/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17638073

|url-status= live

}} Buckle's tenure saw the club qualify for the play-offs with a fifth-place finish and beat Wrexham 3–2 on aggregate in the semi-final, but for the second year running Luton lost in the final, this time in a 2–1 defeat to York City.{{cite news

| title = Luton 1–2 York (POF)

| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18049175

| work = BBC Sport

| date = 20 May 2012

| access-date = 22 May 2012

| archive-date = 9 March 2014

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140309133628/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18049175

| url-status = live

}}

File:Luton Town lift Conference championship trophy 2014.jpg title in 2014]] The club made history during the 2012–2013 season by becoming the first non-League team to defeat a Premier League club in the FA Cup, beating Norwich City 1–0 at Carrow Road. The club eventually reached the Fifth round of the FA Cup during the campaign, the furthest they had progressed in the competition since the 1993–1994 season. Despite this cup run, poor league results led Buckle to leave the club in February 2013 where he was replaced by long-standing Dagenham & Redbridge manager John Still – the fifth managerial change at Luton in four seasons.{{cite news

| title = John Still: Luton Town appoint Dagenham & Redbridge boss

| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21588390

| work = BBC Sport

| date = 26 February 2013

| access-date = 1 March 2013

| archive-date = 20 January 2016

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160120005744/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21588390

| url-status = live

}} Luton finished the season in seventh place and outside the play-offs for the first time since their relegation into the Conference Premier.

In the 2013–2014 season, under the experienced management of Still, Luton confirmed their return to The Football League by winning the Conference Premier title with three games to spare, breaking several club and Conference records in the process.{{cite news

| title = Luton Town win Conference Premier and Football League spot

| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26978690

| work = BBC Sport

| date = 15 April 2014

| access-date = 17 April 2014

| archive-date = 16 April 2014

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140416053501/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26978690

| url-status = live

}}{{cite news

| title = Football: 'The most remarkable season ever' – Luton Town boss John Still hails his record breakers

| url = http://www.luton-dunstable.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Football-The-most-remarkable-season-ever-Luton-Town-boss-John-Still-hails-his-record-breakers-20140427122814.htm

| work = Luton on Sunday

| publisher = LD Express Newspaper Ltd

| date = 27 April 2014

| access-date = 28 April 2014

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140429050022/http://www.luton-dunstable.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Football-The-most-remarkable-season-ever-Luton-Town-boss-John-Still-hails-his-record-breakers-20140427122814.htm

| archive-date = 29 April 2014

| url-status = dead

}} The club's success meant that some matches were played in front of the largest number of home supporters for two decades.{{cite news

| title = Report: Town 2–3 Braintree

| url = http://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/article/report-braintree-1204-1484110.aspx

| publisher = Luton Town F.C.

| date = 27 April 2014

| access-date = 13 July 2015

| archive-date = 13 July 2015

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150713151710/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/article/report-braintree-1204-1484110.aspx

| url-status = live

}}

{{Update|section|date=July 2023}}

Before the start of the 2014–2015 season, top scorer Andre Gray left to join Championship side Brentford for a fee of £600,000; one of the highest fees the club had received in a number of years.{{cite news

| title = McParland's search for Ings replacement is under way!

| url = http://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/burnley-fc/latest-news/mcparland-s-search-for-ings-replacement-is-under-way-1-7304011

| publisher = Burnley Express

| date = 12 June 2015

| access-date = 13 July 2015

| archive-date = 13 July 2015

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150713143809/http://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/burnley-fc/latest-news/mcparland-s-search-for-ings-replacement-is-under-way-1-7304011

| url-status = live

}} Manager John Still spent little of the windfall and, despite keeping pace with the League Two leaders for much of the campaign, the club fell one place short of a play-off position upon their return to the Football League.

In the summer of 2015, the club's owners confirmed their intention to begin a fresh chapter in Luton Town's history by moving away from Kenilworth Road and building a new 17,500 capacity stadium by the beginning of the 2020–21 season at the derelict Power Court area of Luton town centre.{{cite news

| title = Hatters set to defy council plan for new stadium at M1 junction 10a

| url = http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/hatters-set-to-defy-council-plan-for-new-stadium-at-m1-junction-10a-1-6838330

| publisher = Luton Today

| date = 7 July 2015

| access-date = 13 July 2015

| archive-date = 9 July 2015

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150709233812/http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/hatters-set-to-defy-council-plan-for-new-stadium-at-m1-junction-10a-1-6838330

| url-status = live

}}{{cite news

| title = Hatters' planning application met by an 'inevitable delay'

| url = http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/hatters-planning-application-met-by-an-inevitable-delay-1-7820928

| publisher = Luton Today

| date = 17 February 2017

| access-date = 2 August 2017

| archive-date = 2 August 2017

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170802164741/http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/hatters-planning-application-met-by-an-inevitable-delay-1-7820928

| url-status = live

}}

Still was sacked in December 2015 with Luton 17th in League Two during the 2015–2016 season.{{cite news |title=John Still: Luton Town sack boss, Andy Awford named caretaker |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35121874 |work=BBC Sport |date=17 December 2015 |access-date=2 August 2017 |archive-date=23 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023214040/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35121874 |url-status=live }} He was replaced by Welsh manager Nathan Jones,{{cite news |title=Nathan Jones: Brighton coach appointed Luton Town boss |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35247774 |work=BBC Sport |date=6 January 2016 |access-date=2 August 2017 |archive-date=21 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221154724/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35247774 |url-status=live }} who had been first-team coach at Championship club Brighton & Hove Albion. Luton finished 11th in the 2015–16 table.{{cite web |title=Luton Town 2015–2016: Table: Final table |url=http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2015-2016/table |publisher=Statto Organisation |access-date=2 August 2017 |archive-date=26 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160226122647/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/2015-2016/table |url-status=live }}

In Jones' first full season, Luton spent only one week outside the top seven positions,{{cite news |first=Phil |last=Shepka |title=League Two: The closest EFL play-off race ever? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39646149 |work=BBC Sport |date=21 April 2017 |access-date=2 August 2017 |archive-date=9 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209143958/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39646149 |url-status=live }} while he also led the club to the semi-final of the EFL Trophy.{{cite news |title=Luton Town 2–3 Oxford United |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39135751 |work=BBC Sport |date=1 March 2017 |access-date=2 August 2017 |archive-date=6 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906160122/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39135751 |url-status=live }} Luton finished the 2016–17 season in fourth place, but were beaten 6–5 on aggregate by Blackpool in the play-off semi-final.{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Simmonds |title=Marriott at the double as Hatters defeat the Shrimps |url=http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/marriott-at-the-double-as-hatters-defeat-the-shrimps-1-7949835 |newspaper=Luton Today |date=6 May 2017 |access-date=2 August 2017 |archive-date=1 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801115728/http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/marriott-at-the-double-as-hatters-defeat-the-shrimps-1-7949835 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first=Brendon |last=Mitchell |title=Luton Town 3–3 Blackpool (agg: 5–6) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39879758 |work=BBC Sport |date=18 May 2017 |access-date=2 August 2017 |archive-date=12 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412205223/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39879758 |url-status=live }}

The summer of 2017 saw the club move into new training facilities, which had received heavy investment.{{cite news |first=Tim |last=Street |title=Luton boss: It's better than anything below the Championship |url=http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/luton-boss-it-s-better-than-anything-below-the-championship/story-30314787-detail/story.html |newspaper=Bedfordshire on Sunday |date=5 May 2017 |access-date=17 August 2017}} Meanwhile, Chairman Nick Owen stepped down after nine years, stating that he felt "unable to dedicate the time and effort that... the role now deserves".{{cite news |title=Nick Owen: Luton chairman stands down after nine years |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40814874 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 August 2017 |access-date=17 August 2017 |archive-date=7 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807100150/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40814874 |url-status=live }}

The 2017–18 and 2018–19 seasons saw Luton achieve back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship, including being 2018-19 League One champions. (2018–19).{{Cite web |title=Carlisle United vs Luton Town on 21 Apr 18 - Match Centre {{!}} Luton Town FC |url=https://www.lutontown.co.uk/matches/fixtures/first-team/201718/april/carlisle-united-vs-luton-town-on-21-apr-18/#report |access-date=2023-12-27 |website=www.lutontown.co.uk}}{{Cite web |title=Luton Town vs Oxford United on 04 May 19 - Match Centre {{!}} Luton Town FC |url=https://www.lutontown.co.uk/matches/fixtures/first-team/201819/may/luton-town-vs-oxford-united-on-04-may-19/ |access-date=2023-12-27 |website=www.lutontown.co.uk}}

Luton achieved promotion to the Premier League the end of the 2022–23 Championship season through the play-off final on penalties against Coventry City.

In the 2023-24 Premier League Season Luton were relegated back to the championship after finishing in 18th.{{Cite web |title=Luton relegated after defeat to Fulham |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/4016996 |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=www.premierleague.com |language=en}}

;General

• {{cite book

| title=The Definitive Luton Town F.C.

| publisher=Soccerdata

| first= Steve

| last= Bailey

|date=December 1997

| isbn=1-899468-10-2}}

• {{cite web

| title = Luton Town

| url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/luton-town/

| publisher = Statto

| access-date = 2009-05-21}}

;Specific

{{reflist}}

{{Luton Town F.C.}}

{{History of football in England by club}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:History of Luton Town F.C. (1970-present)}}

History 1970 - present

Luton Town 1970 - present