Hatters boss Nathan Jones says it’s a “disgrace” that the fate of three of Luton’s Championship rivals will not be decided before tomorrow night’s final day decider against Blackburn – but is focused solely on a survival sealing victory.
The EFL has confirmed that Wigan’s 12-point deduction for going into administration will be applied after the final whistle of their clash with promotion hopefuls Fulham, though an appeal lodged by the Latics won’t be heard until the end of the month.
While mid-table sides Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County are still to hear the outcome of misconduct charges dished out by the EFL earlier this season, with the Yorkshire club’s disciplinary proceedings over the sale of their Hillsborough stadium now with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The maximum penalty of 21 points would see the Owls plunged into the relegation zone, the last place of which Luton currently occupy, though the EFL have admitted they now have no influence over when that case will be resolved. There will also be options for appeals.
However, the Hatters know that a victory at home to Blackburn Rovers tomorrow night, will take them to 51 points and see them to safety, if Wigan’s points penalty is upheld.
Alternatively, with no deducations, three points for Town, coupled with defeats for either Middlesbrough or Birmingham (both on 50 points), or a draw for Charlton (on 48), will also ensure Championship survival.
Jones said: “It’s clear for us. If we win tomorrow, we will stay up. I don’t envisage every other team getting to 51 points, so all we have to concentrate on is winning tomorrow night.
“The EFL, CAS, Boris Johnson, they can do whatever they want. We have to concentrate, tomorrow, on winning the game.”
After Kazenga LuaLua’s late strike beat Hull on Saturday, to put Town’s fate in their own hands, Jones admits he’s not looking into the relegation permutations involving other clubs.
“If we win the game it just takes everything out of it. That’s what we’ve got to try to do. It seems simple, but that’s all we can do and it’s the only thing we can affect,” he said.
“I have no idea what the league or CAS are going to do. I’ve no idea, I can’t second guess it.
“I mean, it’s a disgrace that it’s not been done already, but I can’t second guess that.
“I can reiterate this a hundred times if you want, all I can affect is my team tomorrow. If we win the game, I don’t envisage 51 points not being enough for us not to be a Championship side next year. If I’m wrong, then wow! We couldn’t have done any more.
“So, all I’m concentrating on is us and preparing to win the game.”
