I’m sorry to see you leave Luton Town Football Club; yet so grateful for your contribution, character and legacy.

This article is written in English, as a direct trubute to Robert Owen Edwards.

Unfortunately it hasn’t worked out this season. The team’s performances have been utterly poor, apart from two matches:

1. The 3-0 thrashing of Watford
2. The 1-1 draw against Sunderland

You came in and instantly improved the team in November 2022. The entire belief and atmosphere reached new heights. Just a week after your arrival every single player performed at a higher level. The renewed confidence boosted passing accuracy, press play and defensive sacrifice.

Just a week after your arrival every single player performed at a higher level

Your precence and leadership, assisted by Paul Trollope & Richie Kyle, led us to the Play Offs and ultimately Premier League. What a fantastic acchievement! Credit also to Gary Sweet & the entire Board for working wonders for my and so many worldwide supporters’ beloved Football Club!

Eternal memories

The manner in which you handled all aspects of Tom Lockyer’s cardiac arrest stands out as utterly impressive. It all must have been so tough. You delt with the media so professionally. Because that’s who you are.

The obvious sporting highlight came at Wembley. Not to forget the epic Play Off display against Sunderland. The Kenny rocking just like six weeks previously; on that delightful Derby Day.

You should be invited to perform Bon Jovi on the opening day at Power Court!

So many magic moments during the Premier League campaign. Competing with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, until the final whistle. Only seconds away from sending Liverpool empty handed from Kenilworth Road. The massive win against Brighton. One of Luton Towns arguably best matches throughout history.

Beating Newcastle at home, nearly also at St. James’ Park. The half time feeling at Anfield! Fighting proudly throughout the entire season. Even when it was over, the defeat to Fulham felt like a victory. You created heroes. Unforgettable memories.

By getting us to the Premier League, your contribution is a heavy investment in Luton Town Football Club’s future. The financial award comes in more than just handy towards the upcoming stadium relocation. You should be invited to perform Bon Jovi on the opening day at Power Court!

Memorable meetings

The first time I met you was after the 1-0 victory against Swansea City at Kenilworth Road in March 2023. 30 Scandinavian Hatters were dreaming of you to visit us in the Eric Morecambe Lounge.

Suddenly you entered. We all enjoyed the evening. Were able to present you with the Scandinavian Hatters’ Sheep Bell. A magic day, followed up with a magic season run-in. Credit to you, your management team, the Club and every single supporter!

Our next encounter occured during the Club’s «Meet The Manager Event» in April 2024. Two days after the vital victory versus Bournemouth. You posed with me and my Norwegian friend Arnulf Wirum halfway through the event. During it I was able to direct a couple questions to you via the public microphone.

The highlight of the evening from my point of view was during the end of the event. As many others I queued up to meet you «on stage». Waiting for my turn, I called my girlfriend Lene back home in Norway. We were in the middle of a chat when my turn came. I handed over my phone and told you there was someone wanting to speak to you in the other end.

You picked up my phone. Instantly said «Hi, Lene! How are you? Sorry you’re not here. When will you be back? For the last game of the season. OK. See you after Fulham!».

Five weeks later. Luton Town – Fulham 1-4. Relegated from the Premier League. Lene & me in the John Moore Lounge. Disappointed over the relegation. Still so happy and proud over beeing Luton Town supporters.

Hey, Lene! Rob Edwards is coming in! You fulfilled your promise. Our John Moore meeting that evening ment a lot to us! Just spoken to your players, done the media and perhaps just wanted to go home. But you chose to spend time with sponsors, supporters – and us!

Thank you, Rob Edwards. You’re a Luton Town Legend!

The downfall

In the aftermath. In retrospect. The current situation. We’re in a relegation battle. You’ve left the club.

Where did it go wrong?

As an outsider I obviously have noe clue, but I have an opinion.

When you came in, we were in a good position. Thanks to the club’s leadership, the club’s staff all around, the players and Nathan Jones’ contagious mentality.

You inherited something very good. Improved it. Cruised. Led us to the «Promised Land».

We made quite a few signings. Some significant ones. Got shocked in our opening matches in the Premier League, but adapted and recovered quickly. Even though we didn’t manage to survive, Luton Town Football Club finished the 2023/24 season as winners. With loads of pride from around the world.

Massive misses

Proudness. Economically strengthened. Well equipped with the new stadium within sight. Looking forward to compete for an instant return to the top flight. My personal aim was to challenge for a Play Off spot. Well aware of the departures of key duo Ross Barkley & Albert Sambi Lokonga.

…we should have approached the season as an outsider. A challenger rather than the favourite.

Entering the 2024/25 season you publically proclaimed the ambition of bouncing back from the EFL Championship to the Premier League. As Champions.

That was perhaps a mistake. Well aware of the fact that all bookmakers had us on short odds, we should have approached the season as an outsider. A challenger rather than the favourite.

During the rise from EFL League Two to Premier League, we’ve been outsiders. Season in and season out. Avoided the main spotlight. Performed quietly. Sort of…

A very improved performance at Loftus Road didn’t pay dividends. We lost. You lost.

Then suddenly putting a massive pressure on ourselves. After absolutely none the previous season. Entering the 2024/25 season with a probably weakened squad and smashed by Burnley on the opening day. At our own place.

That must have been a real punch in the face. A serious discourage.

Although the following results were improved, we suffered on the road. Repeatedly. Endlessy. So far. After the home defeat to Norwich City on New Year’s Day, we seemed doomed. A very improved performance at Loftus Road didn’t pay dividends. We lost. You lost.

I’ve praised the club’s principles by complying to your contract, speaking loudly against doing what they did to you at Watford. Until the bitter end.

Every ended era is followed by the beginning of a new one:-)

Your reign is over, but you are not done. No single element or person is bigger than the Club. Bring that to mind in your approach into the future. You’re young, ambitious and proven capable.

The genuine positive personality of yours will take you to new heights. Take time to acclimatize before entering new challenges. Sincerely best wishes and thanks for your great contribution. I look forward to meet you again in the near future. Perhaps at Kenilworth Road. Perhaps somewhere else.

Every ended era is followed by the beginning of a new one:-)

Written by Thomas Moller, editor of Luton Town Supporters’ Club of Scandinavia’s web site luton.no. Photo credits to Luton Town FC, members of Luton Town Supporters’ Club of Scandinavia & the editor.