Rob Edwards has delivered a classy farewell message to all Hatters after his exit as Luton Town boss was confirmed today, saying he’ll always remember “how the Kenny bounced and roared”.
The 42-year-old delivered Premier League football to the club for the first time, but relegation back to the Championship has been tough.
Pre-season expectations were set by Edwards and the club’s hierarchy as another promotion push, but instead Town sit two points above the relegation zone.
Monday night’s 2-1 defeat at Queens Park Rangers proved Edwards’ final game in charge, but it was a tenth straight away defeat and fourth on the bounce.
The Hatters board today acted to end his tenure by mutual consent, just seven months after he penned a four-year deal.
Edwards has regularly said that he loves Luton Town Football Club and after his exit was confirmed he highlighted the highs and lows of a “rollercoaster” spell at Kenilworth Road.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“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.
“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!
“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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