Indeed, even the most ardent Luton fan would have been hard pushed to predict their side finishing in the top six of the Championship last season.
Under Nathan Jones, though, the club has been on an incredible journey. The Welshman guided the Hatters out of League Two before doing the lion’s share of the work
which saw them win League One in 2019, finding himself back at the club in the Championship after an unsuccessful and brief spell with Stoke City.
The 49-year-old oversaw an impressive top-half finish upon their return to England’s second tier before taking them to the brink of the Premier League last season.
Ultimately, they fell just short despite arguably being the better team across two legs against Huddersfield Town, but there is no suggestion of Luton resting on their laurels ahead of the forthcoming campaign.
Kal Naismith’s departure to Bristol City could prove a blow in defence after the 30-year-old enjoyed a stellar season, but Jones has clearly upgraded his side’s attacking capabilities with the signings of Carlton Morris, Cauley Woodrow and Luke Freeman.
An unbeaten pre-season – including a 1-1 draw against Premier League outfit West Ham United in their final outing – has only boosted confidence further ahead of a very winnable looking opening match at home against Birmingham on Saturday.
Given that Birmingham would only have survived relegation to League One by goal difference had Reading and Derby County not received their six and 21 point deductions respectively last season, it was perhaps no surprise to see the club relieve Lee Bowyer of his managerial duties.
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However, in truth, the one-time England international was dealing with incredibly difficult circumstances at St Andrew’s.
The second city-based side have finished between 17th and 20th in each of the last six seasons in the Championship, with many feeling their luck could be set to run out in the shape of relegation this season.
John Eustace, whose only previous spell as a manager came at National League North side Kidderminster Harriers between 2016 and 2018, has surprisingly been chosen as Bowyer’s successor. T
