Rob Edwards has departed Luton Town after a poor first half of the 2024-25 season.
Edwards’ departure comes as the Hatters sit 20th in the Championship table and just two points above the relegation zone, having suffered relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season which marked their first top-flight campaign since 1991-92 season.
The 42 year-old arrived in November 2022 and just seven months later, he guided Luton to promotion via the play-offs following a tense penalty shootout victory over Coventry, after the showpiece final finished 1-1.
Recent performances which included ten consecutive away defeats however led Edwards and the Board to agree to part ways with immediate effect.
Luton CEO, Gary Sweet explained that the decision to part company with Edwards was a “tough” choice following the 42 year-old’s “great professionalism and dignity” throughout his time at the club, especially when both manager and club decided that his exit was needed in their quest to revive the club’s fortunes and avoid relegation.
Sweet nevertheless spoke of his pride at Edwards’ achievements from promotion to a derby double over local rivals – Watford, but iterated that this season’s form was unacceptable and praised him for his ability to recognise that a change of manager was required.
“Rob has given us some of our greatest days to celebrate as Hatters. Those two barnstorming derby victories at Kenilworth Road, the play-off final at Wembley and our season in the Premier League will live with us forever and in doing so Rob has earned himself a legendary status.
!Results this season, especially away from home, have clearly not been acceptable and while we have supported Rob and his team in every possible way, we all felt that action was required to rectify this with 20 league matches still to play.
“It is typical of Rob’s humility that he also recognised this himself and leaves not just as a former manager, but as a trusted friend who has left his mark on every player and member of staff.
“Rob and his family will always be welcome visitors to Kenilworth Road. The door is always open. On behalf of the board, I would like to give him our heartfelt thanks for two years of tireless work and so many memories, wishing him every success for his future career.”
‘privilege to manage’ Luton
Edwards released his own statement in which he described the chance to manage Luton as a “privilege” as he thanked club staff and players for “their support and hard work.”
“It’s been a privilege to manage Luton Town Football Club, but now is the right time for me to move on, for the club and me.
“I would like to thank Gary Sweet and the board for giving me the opportunity and for their support. To all the amazing staff in the offices, at the stadium and at the training ground, thank you, you’ve been incredible and I will miss you.
“Thank you to all the staff in the academy for their support and hard work. You’re doing brilliant things, it’s been a pleasure for me to have been able to give debuts to Joe, Zack and Josh. There are some really top young talent at the club.
“Thanks to Mick, Kev and Kev, Pilks, Jaz, Thommo, the analysts, the groundsmen, the medical team, the media team, Rob and the kitchen staff, Nicky Toone, Les – I’ll miss our very early chats at the gate! Dan the man, our brilliant coach driver, keep the darts practice going!
“Richie and Paul, thank you both. I couldn’t do it without you! You’re both so special.”
The former Watford boss also addressed the club’s success during his reign from their play-off final success to many memorable moments in the Premier League, but acknowledged the difficult times that the club endured – particularly when Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest at Bournemouth.
“I’m really proud of what we achieved, not only winning a play-off game which the club had struggled to do, but winning the final and gaining promotion to the Premier League at Wembley was the most amazing experience!
“I take with me some incredible memories, not just the victories against Watford or Sunderland in the semi-final, or Brighton, Newcastle, Palace or Everton. But the way we did it, how we played against Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Villa and Manchester United, we were brave and brilliant to watch, how the Kenny bounced and roared! That’s what I’ll remember.
“It wasn’t always easy, we lived through the most difficult times. What happened at Bournemouth last December will always remain with me. How the medical team reacted along with the paramedics to save Tom was remarkable. Truly heroic, and once again I want to thank them. The most important thing is that Tom Lockyer is with us and has a great chance to play again. I love you mate!”
Edwards eventually paid tribute to players and fans for their support and part in their journey together but iterated that the club is strong enough to strive forward, and is excited to watch their progress as a fan.
“To the players, I say thank you. Thanks for always giving your best, thanks for keeping it fun and to those that were there, thanks for delivering in the biggest moment of our lives!
‘To the fans, my memories will be 3,000 of you at Stamford Bridge after the final whistle and a 3-0 defeat, singing and making the noise of 50,000 people. Your support meant the world to me. You were great.
‘Thanks to those who have continued to support during more difficult times.
“The club is in great shape, financially, in a really strong position with an exciting new stadium on the horizon. I really hope I will be able to return as a fan.
“The biggest thank you goes to my family. They’ve lived through this rollercoaster with me, and I’m looking forward to spending some time with them before being ready to go again!
“Once again, it’s been a privilege.”
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