Luton Town chief executive Gary Sweet has addressed some of the biggest issues that fans have wanted answers on — Power Court, transfers and the growing tension with supporters.
In an interview with Kevin Harper of the Luton Town Supporters’ Podcast Sweet gave a glimpse into the club’s thinking while calling for patience and perspective amid back-to-back relegations and a turbulent start to life in League One, which saw boos at the end of last week’s 2-0 defeat at home to Mansfield.
Sweet said he understood the frustrations of supporters who feel disconnected from the club’s direction. “I think there’s a perceived sort of disconnect, but it’s born out of frustration — results,” he admitted. “Our board of directors get frustrated when the team doesn’t play well or win a game. They’re fans as well. We all get frustrated by the same things.”
There has been ongoing criticism from supporters of the club’s recruitment strategy since the January window in the Premier League. Though this summer the Hatters signed 14 new players, they have yet to gel and the aims of promotion back to the Championship have not looked convincing.
Sweet insisted patience was needed with new arrivals, some who have yet to feature at all.
“We do need to give some of these players time and patience,” he said. “We recruit good people — players who will care about the club and feel like they belong here.”
With Town in their final year of Premier League parachute payments, supporter speculation has continued over whether their new stadium project has affected the club’s buying power. Sweet made it clear that Power Court remains the cornerstone of Luton’s long-term vision — but admitted that some short-term sacrifices are required, saying the stadium is “absolutely the most important thing in the history of this football club.”
The full 20-minute interview, part of an interview series the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust Podcast, who have promised further episodes with new manager Jack Wilshere, assistant boss Chris Powell, new first-team coaches David Bridges and Tim Corcoran and player recruitment manager Yousuf Sajjad.
You can watch the full Gary Sweet episode below:
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