Sonny Bradley admits that the departure of former Luton manager Graeme Jones came ‘out of the blue’ for all the players, but says the reason is something that has to be respected.
The former Belgium number two had a tough time at Town, taking over a League One-winning side, losing Jack Stacey and James Justin to Premier League Bournemouth and Leicester City, respectively and winning just 10 Championship games.
However, one defeat in the last six games, before football’s shutdown due to Coronavirus, had renewed hopes that Jones could steer the club away from relegation.
But the former West Brom assistant was relieved of his duties last month, along with three of his coaching staff, in a bid to cut costs, with the club not earning any match-day revenue.
He was last week replaced by his predecessor Nathan Jones, but speaking of the exit, while players were in lockdown, Bradley said: “It was a bit of a surprise for me and I think it was a surprise for a lot of people.
“I spoke to the majority of the boys at the club and no-one was aware it was happening. I’ve seen it was to do with finances, Gary Sweet came out and said it was a decision made because of finances at the club which I think you’ve got to respect at this time with what’s going on.
“But, just before he left, the last couple of months, we hit a bit of form, there was plenty of energy at the club and I thought it was looking good, so it was out of the blue, but the club have told us why and we’ve got to move on.”
Jones didn’t have the same rapport with fans that his namesake predecessor had, in his first spell and Kenilworth Road, nor club legend Mick Harford.
Captain Bradley said: “I thought he was really good, he was very, very honest in everything he did and I believe he maxed out, giving 100 per cent to the boys every week, whether that was a training session or a game on a Saturday.
“I do believe he gave everything and it was difficult. There was games where I can hold my hands up and say I do think the players possibly let him down, the Brentford game obviously springs to mind straight away, but I can’t fault him for his efforts whilst he was here, he was brilliant with the boys and he gave us his best, from a players point of view you cannot ask for much more than that.”
But because of social distancing rules, Jones couldn’t say his farewells in person.
“He has had individual phone calls with players but, with everything going on at the minute, it’s impossible for him to get all the boys together and explain what is going on. I’m sure when all this is over, he’ll have a chance to speak to the boys and explain the situation.”
