Luton Town chairman issues statement after club suffers back-to-back relegations

Luton Town chairman David Wilkinson issues a much needed statement to fans after the club suffers back-to-back relegations.

He expressed the board’s deep frustration and disappointment over their relegation to League One, acknowledging it was an unexpected outcome after 17 years of highs and lows.

Despite past recoveries from darker times, the pain of relegation is acute. The board, as passionate supporters, admits to off-pitch errors contributing to the season’s failure and has begun in-depth analysis to rebuild.

Discussions with the manager and staff are underway to reshape the squad for the 2025/26 season, aiming to restore the club’s spirit and pride. The chairman thanks fans for their support and promises renewed effort to repay their loyalty.

Club statement from our chairman, David Wilkinson.

— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) May 6, 2025

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT:

After the long weekend of deep reflection, as chairman and a custodian of our Club, I wanted to express the board’s collective frustration, anger and disappointment at how the season has ended with our relegation to League One.

It was not the outcome any of us envisaged at the start of the season after the heights we have scaled in our 17 years together.

We have all seen the ups and downs, and as bad as Saturday seems right now, there have been darker days, from which we fought back and went on to make history.

We know that won’t count for much in the moment, while relegation feels so raw to us all. This weekend has hurt us like no other. We are custodians of our Club but supporters first, who care passionately about our footballing fortunes and misfortunes.

We are all accountable and recognise that errors have been made off the pitch, just as they have been on it, to contribute to that end result. We are all so truly sorry the season has finished as it has.

The in-depth analysis started before relegation was confirmed, as individuals and as a Club, as we set about working harder and more effectively to build on the run of form that, before Saturday’s defeat, had put us in with such a chance of survival.

All we can promise, at this moment, is that we will review, regroup and rebuild. Indeed, this has started. We must recover the spirit that was so familiar to us on our rise, and we will use this now as a catalyst for a renewed determination and focus to achieve one objective.

Lengthy discussions have already taken place with Matt and his staff regarding next season designed to reshape our squad into a proper Luton team we can all be proud to watch next season.

No stone will go unturned as we review and prepare for the 2025/26 season, hopefully, with fresh optimism and renewed vigour.

Finally, we wish to thank you all for your support over this difficult season and we hope this can be repaid to you upon our return.

David

Twitter users gave their reaction as the Luton Town chairman issues a statement after club suffers back-to-back relegations…

@nickthehatter: At the end of the day, it’s football, you don’t always get what you want or expect.
Next season won’t be a given either. But you can guarantee one thing next season, the fans will be back supporting the team and the club COYH

@Mr_JLV_LTFC: Lip service. No doubt they clubs feels they can announce ticket information tomorrow with an increase

@KatLTFC: These are just words until we see change. Line in the sand and all that. We go again. COYH 🧡

@ChappersLTFC: As some are saying actions speak louder than words so let’s have the retained list and get some strong signings in early doors. No pissing about waiting for the cheaper deals towards the end of the window please.

@TariqK_18: A response from the chairman accepting accountability & that mistakes were made. It’s all we wanted. “Designed to reshape our squad into a proper Luton team we can all be proud to watch next season” Time to bin off anyone who isn’t interested & up for the fight

@LewisT_Williams: I say it again. Words mean nothing if you don’t act on it. I look forward to an improved Summer Transfer Window. #LTFC

@MattAquino_: That’s a good statement, for me. Acknowledgement, accountability, expressing intent to improve and showing gratitude for our support throughout a horrendous season. Now it’s time to back it up with action.

@ltfc77: Should be more transparent about what you think the board did wrong , and what actual lessons have been learnt.

@SimonOxley9: “Lengthy discussions have already taken place with Matt and his staff regarding next season designed to reshape our squad into a proper Luton team we can all be proud to watch next season.” Proper Luton team… wow, no half measures from the chairman.

@SelkirkIan: That’s all I ask for. communication, accountability and remorse. We go again! COYH! 🧡

@LTFCKR: 3 days for the board to finally acknowledge we’ve been relegated

@gompstomp78: A proper Luton team, get rid of the cowards. Chong, Mengi to start

@HumberHull: Well said. Now hopefully all those club critics can pipe down… 🧡🎩

@DAC757: Now properly back the manager you chose and give him a settled squad of his choosing going into pre-season. And get a DoF or equivalent for goodness’ sake, that MB approves of. Let Gary focus on the stadium and commercial side, and give Mick a well deserved break.

@jackski50742974: Good statement. Get the issues fixed and we go again next season

@ben_combes: Thank you David, very considered, clear and compassionate. I started to feel survival could paper over the cracks when a hard reset is so desperately needed. Glad to see that acknowledged and all the best for the summer. I hope the team are ready from the first whistle in August

HAVE YOUR SAY –

What do you make of this statement? Are you surprised by Luton’s back-to-back relegations? Will they struggle in League One next season or win immediate promotion back to the second tier? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or tweet us @fan_banter