Former Luton Town boss Rob Edwards has admitted that the end of his time at Kenilworth Road had taken its toll but that he left with pride and “incredible” memories, as he was today unveiled as Middlesbrough’s new head coach.
The 42-year-old, who was sacked in January following a run of ten straight away Championship defeats and 15 in total, reflected on a whirlwind spell that saw him lead Luton to promotion to the Premier League for the first time ever, though they couldn’t avoid an immediate relegation, which would be end result again as Town slipped out of the Championship in May after Edwards had been replaced Matt Bloomfield.
But before lows came the highs. Months after his arrival in November 2022 Edwards led the club to one of the greatest achievements in its modern history – promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs – ten years after clawing themselves out of the non-league.
“It was incredible,” he said of his time at Town, during his first interview as Boro boss, where he’s been handed a three-year deal.
“To get promoted via the play-offs was amazing and something that I’ll never forget. We created memories there for life and had a really exciting year in the Premier League as well.
“We know how difficult it is. We’ve seen that the last six teams that have come up have all gone back down. We gave it a good go and with the fraction of the cost that other ones did. We’re really proud of how we did things there, what we did and how we achieved.”
But Edwards also spoke candidly about the more difficult periods of his Luton tenure – particularly after captain Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest during a match at Bournemouth in December 2023, having also suffered a separate atrial fibrillation heart problem in the play-off final seven months earlier.
“That was probably the most difficult period,” Edwards admitted of the second incident in which Lockyer himself has since said he was effectively dead for two minutes and 40 seconds before being revived.
“It started off a 13-month period that was difficult. It was really challenging. No coaching course can get you prepared for that and obviously then you’re in the goldfish bowl of the Premier League, so all eyes are on you, making sure we’re dealing with things in the right way.
“First of all, supporting Tom and his family. The medical people and everyone, the experts there were amazing. And that was the sole focus at the time.
“But, yeah, that was a really challenging period because, look, football’s important and I’m not shying away from that, it means a lot to a hell of a lot of people. I know that, but some things are even more important than football. Family and health are that.
“That was a challenging period of time but the great thing now is that he’s healthy and he’s there [at Luton], he’s got his family and his little girl now, because his partner was seven months pregnant at the time.
“It was a really tough time for everybody and all concerned. So, nothing can prepare you for stuff like that. Nothing can prepare you for half time and extra time in the play-off final when you’ve got three players saying they’re done and we’ve only got two subs left.
“It’s been a rollercoaster and, obviously that day [at Wembley], Tom went off early in that game as well. So, even when there’s been really high moments, there’s still challenges and things that test you along the way.
“But it does, management throws things at you and that’s why you have good people around you, to help with that.
“It was a heck of a ride. I’m ready for another one now.”
Edwards said of his six months away from the game: “I did need it [a break]. It was quite draining towards the end and I needed that bit of time to reenergise, refocus and get some family time, because they go through it as well.
“And then to really begin to reflect and speak to people. I met new people, got out there, watched some games, the usual things, and I’m just really excited and raring to go now.
“You need the energy in this game to be effective and to be at your best you need that and I’ve topped it right back up again.”
