Nathan Jones revealed that Danny Hylton had ten offers to leave Luton in the summer, but the striker stayed to fight for his place and got his reward of a first Championship goal to rescue a late point at Bristol City.
The 32-year-old helped shoot Town to the second tier but has suffered with long-term injuries and had become something of a forgotten man.
Hylton’s last goal came in on March 23, 2019, and though he made 16 appearances in the Championship last term, he’d never scored in the division, having plied his trade in the lower leagues.
He finally notched in the 91st minute after fellow substitute Carlos Mendes-Gomes – who failed his driving test on Friday – put it on a plate for the striker to tap in to an empty net from point blank range.
It sparked jubilant scenes as, for the second successive game, Luton earned a point with an injury time equaliser.
“I’m so proud of him because he’s been through the mire,” said Jones of the striker he signed back in League Two.
“Danny’s a Championship striker. I remember performances against Newcastle away when Danny was flying and we just happened, in League Two, to have a Championship striker.
“Now, it’s been tough on him with injuries, but he’s shown great commitment, great desire and great character to come back and I’m so proud please for him and proud of him.
“Honestly, if my own daughter scored, I could be any more proud than Danny scoring. I’m so proud of him and I’m delighted for him.
“Danny had ten offers to leave and he wanted to fight for his place. We’re so delighted that he did.”
Asked if he ever thought Hylton would make an impact in the Championship after such a devastating run of injuries, the Hatters boss said: “Absolutely. The history that Hylton has with Luton – and I know that some people say he’s past it, he’s this, he’s that – he’s absolutely not. And just remember, a couple of years ago, we were going to Newcastle, we were going to Sheffield (Wednesday) and we had a Championship striker on our hands.
“He’s been unlucky with injury but he’s still the same player who runs, who can head it and can do a bit of everything.
“Him and Cameron (Jerome) are the most complete strikers we have at the club. Elijah’s learning and learns from Cameron.
“Harry’s (Cornick) a constant threat, but those are the two number nines that we have at the club and I’m really proud of Danny. He’s been through some stuff and it takes a lot of character, but I know he’s got a load of character because people have been telling him he’s not good enough for League One, he’s not good enough for this.
“He’s a Championship striker and I’ve been telling people that for years and years and we were very fortunate to have him at his peak in League Two because he caused carnage in League Two.”
But, though he was delighted with the manner of the point, Jones said his men should’ve come away with all the spoils.
“It shouldn’t have gone to the 90th minute,” he said, adding; “We should have been seeing that game out comfortably, but we weren’t and that’s the Championship, because Championship sides can punish you. One chance and they can punish you, but I’m delighted that we’ve come away from home, two difficult away games, and we’ve taken two points. We’re undefeated on the road this week so I’m very happy with that.
“But, it will be bittersweet because there’s a tinge of disappointment that we’re not going away with three, because that’s what that performance deserved.”
Hosts City had one blocked shot in the first half but Town saw a host of chances flash by in a matter of moments. The impressive Henri Lansbury’s pile-driver saved by Dan Bentley and Luke Berry, the two goal hero at Blackburn on Saturday, couldn’t convert the spilled rebound. Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu then hit the bar and Jerome sent a header wide
The striker then saw Bentley deny him from close range before Tom Lockyer hit the post as the teams somehow went in at the break all square.
But for all their promise it was another headed goal that was Town’s undoing. The visitors, for the second match in a row, had to make a late change after an injury in the warm-up, with captain Sonny Bradley withdrawn despite an injection to help him through a hip muscle strain sustained in training.
Nathan Baker headed Bristol in front and it looked like it would be the Robins’ first home win in 14 attempts, but Hylton popped up to prove there’s still life in the old dog yet.
Luke on Saturday and now Danny. Delighted for both of them. They’ve taken their chances and done us proud. Pity we didn’t come away with the three points we deserved last night but, given the way NJ’s constantly had to shuffle his pack, there’s a lot to be positive about. Stating the obvious, of course, but a convincing win against the Swans would be just what we need right now.
Couldn’t make it to Ashton Gate last night, but only too familiar with the fun and games of Bristol traffic. Well done, Jim, and all the the other Town fans who made it there.
Difficult to see from our end but I’m sure we hit the post twice and their keeper kept them in it in the first half. Second half we didn’t start. But well done for finishing super Dan!!!
I feel it’s 6 points dropped in 3 games but with 2 late comebacks there’s some momentum. Hope we don’t mess up on Saturday given it’s “the 3rd game in a week”.
City were poor but did look a threat on the counter and from set pieces. We have to figure out a way to defend both a bit more consistently. But at no point did I really feel we’d lose. Even in the last few minutes. Pearson can’t be long for that job. He’s not a city manager. Plays no football. That number 42 looked a good footballer but otherwise they had nothing apart from the keeper – who despite a good game – was at fault for our goal.
What a pain in the arse journey that is midweek though. Traffic through Bristol was so bad there was no time to eat. And traffic out was just as crap. Home at 00:40. Should never be a midweek game. Cheers EFL for caring about the fans.
Oh and shoot, sorry! Super Danny Hylton!!! You legend.