The chairman of the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust, Tony Murray, has announced his resignation from the role after more than 20 years of dedicated service.
Murray, who was the founding chairman of the Trust, cited ongoing health challenges as the reason for his decision, but his departure from the Trust’s board marks the end of an era for the fan group.
Initially named Trust in Luton, was formed in 2003 to help force out unpopular former owner John Gurney, as documented in the BBC documentary Trouble at the Top.
Current club club chief executive Gary Sweet was part of the group that effectively forced the club into administration and out of Mr Gurney’s control, for a new consortium to take over, headed up by Bill Tomlins.
Another change of ownership again brought problems and administration followed again in 2007, until the club was eventually bought out by the fan-led 2020 consortium, headed up by Sweet, which took over with the club when it was effectively consigned to the non-league due to a 30-point penalty imposed by the Football Association and the Football League.
The Trust, a democratic, non-profit organisation run by fans for fans, were handed the image rights for the club and continue to hold that right, which means that any future owners cannot change the club’s name, colours or crest.
During Murrary’s time at the helm, the history-making Hatters rose from the Conference to the Premier League last year, and have secured planning permission for a new stadium at Power Court which is expected to make the football club sustainable long into the future. Murray is also a founding member of the popular award-winning Luton Town Supporters’ Trust podcast.
Reflecting on his journey with the Trust, Murray said in a heartfelt statement: “This was a very hard piece to write, as the Trust has been a large part of my life for over 20 years. I was there right at the start, given the huge honour of being asked to become the founding chairman of our Trust. It has been an absolute privilege to hold this position for two separate terms and in both periods work with some tremendous, committed people.”
Despite stepping down, Murray emphasised that his love and support for Luton Town and the Supporters’ Trust remain unwavering, adding: “I’m standing down but not walking away. My love for our football club is still there as is my support for our Trust. I will always be there for the Trust and Luton Town.”
Murray also praised the efforts of the Trust’s board, acknowledging their dedication and professionalism.
“I see the hard work that our board does on behalf of all of us members. I’m very proud of that, all that has been achieved and the great strides towards being more professional. I do feel guilty that they are all doing that, on a purely voluntary basis, and I am unable to contribute as much as I’d like,” he said.
Addressing the current challenges facing the club, as they battle against consecutive relegations, Murray called for unity and continued support for the club’s management and ownership.
“No one wants to be in the position we find ourselves in at the moment. Whatever the reasons for this, we need to reflect on and learn from them. There is a lot of change going on. Now is the time for unity. We need to get behind the club, the team, the management and 2020 [the Hatters’ board]. Remember without them we wouldn’t have a club.”
He highlighted the unique relationship between the club’s custodians and supporters, noting the accessibility and openness of Luton Town’s leadership, saying: “So many supporters of other clubs say to me they have never met their owners or have interaction with them. They cannot believe that our Chairman, CEO, and directors will go to the pub before an away game, freely mix with, and talk to supporters. They are envious of this.”
In his concluding remarks, Murray encouraged fans to continue supporting the Trust and recruit more members to strengthen their collective voice.
He urged: “Please continue to support the Trust, get as many fellow fans to join us to give us a stronger voice and influence in the world of football. The future’s bright, the future’s orange, blue and white! COYH!”
The Trust board will now look to the future as they continue their work on behalf of Luton Town fans, with a new chairman yet to be officially announced.
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