Exclusive: From ‘deflation’ to the dream Adebayo hopes he can tell his kids

Reece Burke jumps on Elijah Adebayo after the striker bagged the winner against Cardiff
Reece Burke jumps on Elijah Adebayo after the striker bagged the winner against Cardiff . Photo by Liam Smith

Twelve months ago a still injured Elijah Adebayo was thrown on at the death in a desperate bid to rescue Luton’s promotion dream but now, fit and firing, the striker is dreaming of making memories he can tell his kids.

Town are now 90 minutes away from a place in the Premier League as they count down to a Championship play-off final against Coventry on Saturday and the biggest game of their lives. 

And for Adebayo, it’s a totally different scenario to the cruel end to the last campaign where he suffered a hamstring injury at the end of April.

Elijah Adebayo sits injured on the turf at the end of the draw with Blackpool
Elijah Adebayo sits injured on the turf at the end of the draw with Blackpool. Photo by Liam Smith

And, among a host of crocked stars, all the talk was of whether or not the former Fulham man would recover in time for the play-off semi-finals against Huddersfield.

Adebayo was hopeful after revealing he was undergoing cryotherapy to try and recover, but he missed the first leg at home and only made the bench for the return fixture.

And when Jordan Rhodes put the Terriers ahead late on, the striker was thrown on in a failed attempt at a rescue mission, even though he could barely move. Then manager Nathan Jones admitted afterwards the striker was “a mile off” being fit.

Elijah Adebayo tries to put pressure on Huddersfield keeper Lee Nicholls
Elijah Adebayo tries to put pressure on Huddersfield keeper Lee Nicholls in last year’s play-off semi-final. Photo by Liam Smith

“Last year just wasn’t right for me,” Adebayo said, adding: “I was gutted, especially on the back of the season that I had. It was almost a deflation in the end, to not be out there and help the boys. 

“It was tough to watch from the side and coming on in those final stages it was to hopefully try and get something. I knew I wasn’t at 100 per cent.”

But this season, he’s been partnered with the deadly Carlton Morris who has bagged 20 second-tier goals, the first Luton player to do so in 41 years.   

The last of those campaign with a huge gesture as Adebayo gave up his penalty duty for his partner to hit the magic mark and see off Middlesbrough.

Carlton Morris strokes in from the penalty spot against Middlesbrough to bring up his 20th goal of the season
Carlton Morris strokes in from the penalty spot against Middlesbrough to bring up his 20th goal of the season. Photo by Liam Smith

Then in the play-off semi-final first leg defeat at Sunderland, Adebayo netted to bring up his tenth of the campaign. 

A remarkable turnaround in the second leg saw Town book their place in their first ever Championship play-off final and the biggest prize in world football.

Adebayo said: “It’s human nature not to not think about the Premier League. When you’re in the position we’re in, your mind is always in a drift to that stage and that time. 

“Everyone wants to play in the Premier League. You ask any kid in the playground, if he’s a fan of football, he wants to play in the Premier League. 

“We want more. That’s the nature of the group. We’re hungry for more. It’s something you’ll be able to tell your kids, hopefully, in the future that you got promoted with Luton Town to the Premier League and that you’ve played in the Premier League, the best league in the world.”

And in support of their promotion bid, Luton will take on Coventry with virtually a fully fit squad for boss Rob Edwards to pick from, with Cauley Woodrow the only doubt.   

Elijah Adebayo
Elijah Adebayo. Photo by Liam Smith

“If you go back 12 months ago, we had 13 injuries I think it was. Nearly half the squad was out,” said Adebayo, who credits the club’s sports science, fitness and medical staff for their work in keeping bodies fresh and firing this time around. 

He added: “The squad’s in a great place. I think everyone’s excited because we also know there’s competition for place as well as the competition to get promoted. We’re all in it together but everyone wants to play.”

And Adebayo has managed 48 appearances, compared to 42 last term, in a remarkable season which saw Luton finish third in the Championship. 

Elijah Adebayo (right) applauds the Luton fans during a lap of honour after the play-off semi-final victory over Sunderland
Elijah Adebayo (right) applauds the Luton fans during a lap of honour after the play-off semi-final victory over Sunderland. Photo by Liam Smith

He said: “This time round, I’ve still played a lot of the games, but my body’s got used to the level, even more so now, to get me in the best position possible in order to play every game and not fall at the last hurdle again, which is obviously a credit to the management team and the fitness side.

“We’ve had the cryos in, the recovery pumps in, masseuses have come in to make sure everyone’s in tip-top shape.

“For me, I’m glad to be still around it, but obviously I’m happy to be fit and in the best shape possible.”

21 Comments

  1. whoah this blog is great i really like reading
    your articles. Stay up the great work! You understand, lots of people are looking round for this information, you
    can aid them greatly.

  2. When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is
    added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you
    can remove people from that service? Bless you!

  3. But what I love most about Switzerland is the high quality of life.
    The cities are tidy and well-kept, the health system is efficient,
    and the education system is highly regarded. The citizens
    are amiable and hospitality, and I feel safe and
    secure living here.

  4. I am sure this piece of writing has touched all the internet people, its really really good piece of writing on building up new website.

  5. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out
    right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you wish be delivering
    the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since
    exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

  6. Hi there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog
    platform are you using for this website? I’m getting tired of WordPress
    because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform.
    I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good
    platform.

  7. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
    I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you
    some interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article.
    I wish to read more things about it!

  8. I am extremely impressed with your writing skills
    and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
    Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see
    a great blog like this one nowadays.

  9. Como forastero en Suiza, sé de forma personal lo desafiante que puede ser moverse por la papeleo y los exigencias legales.
    Es por eso que quiero compartir mi experiencia con la siguiente organización, una compañía de apoyo para inmigrantes
    en Suiza.En lo personal, he utilizado sus asistencias y puedo confirmar su
    eficiencia, efectividad y gentileza. Me han ayudado con la extensión de mi autorización, encontrar
    un nuevo departamento e incluso responder mis preguntas diversas sobre las usos y costumbres suizas.

  10. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my
    own weblog and was wondering what all is required to get
    setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100% sure. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Appreciate it

  11. Como inmigrante en la Confederación Helvética, sé de forma personal
    lo desafiante que puede ser navegar por la trámite y los condiciones legales.
    Es por eso que quiero compartir mi experiencia con Check4you, una agencia de apoyo para extranjeros en la Confederación Helvética.En lo personal, he utilizado sus servicios y
    puedo confirmar su profesionalismo, rapidez y amabilidad.
    Me han ayudado con la renovación de mi visa, encontrar un nuevo piso
    e incluso responder mis preguntas variadas sobre las usos y costumbres suizas.

  12. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
    I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post.
    Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

  13. In case you happen to be interested about learning additional
    about Switzerland, the intriguing language environment, be sure to check out the following webpage containing this piece.
    You’ll gain a greater comprehension for this land’s rich heritage as well
    as past.

  14. Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam remarks?

    If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything
    you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much
    appreciated.

  15. Заказать косметику их Крыма – только у нас вы найдете качественную продукцию. по самым низким ценам!
    [url=https://krymskaya-kosmetika77.com/]крымская косметика интернет магазин[/url]
    крымская косметика купить – [url=]https://www.krymskaya-kosmetika77.com/[/url]
    [url=http://google.mk/url?q=http://krymskaya-kosmetika77.com]http://www.hosting22.com/goto/?url=krymskaya-kosmetika77.com[/url]

    [url=https://www.jeevadityasolar.com/solar-system-with-battery#comment-9014]Крымская косметика купить в москве – это целебные травы, чистые растительные и эфирные масла, натуральные экстракты и минералы.[/url] 0369866

  16. SMM Panel : SMM panel, sosyal medya hesaplarınızın büyütülmesi için kullanabileceğiniz bir araçtır. SMM panel ile, farklı sosyal medya kanalları için takipçi, beğeni, yorum ve paylaşım gibi farklı hizmetler sunulmaktadır. Zedmedya.net olarak en iyi SMM panel hizmetlerini sunuyoruz. Platformumuzda, farklı sosyal medya kanalları için en uygun fiyatlarla takipçi, beğeni, yorum ve paylaşım gibi hizmetleri satın alabilirsiniz. Ayrıca, smm panel ana sağlayıcı olarak sizlere en kaliteli hizmeti sunmayı garanti ediyoruz.

Comments are closed.