Rob Edwards AXED by Luton with Hatters staring back-to-back relegations in the face amid dismal run of form
LUTON TOWN have axed manager Rob Edwards amid the threat of back-to-back relegations.
Edwards, 42, led the Hatters to the Premier League during his first season in charge.
They dropped back to the Championship this term despite a brave battle.
But Luton have been unable to build on their recent success and are now at risk of ending up back in League One.
Confirming the manager’s departure, a statement read: “Luton Town Football Club can confirm that Rob Edwards has left his role as manager by mutual agreement.”
It continued: “We could have not wished for a better man to understand what it takes to be manager of Luton Town, one who acted as an ambassador for the club and community in the glare of the world’s media spotlight.
“We enjoyed the highs of Goodison Park and that maiden Premier League win, the demolition of Brighton under the Kenilworth Road lights and the part the Town played in the 4-4 classic at Newcastle after also taking a point, and so very nearly all three, off Liverpool as the battle against relegation went right to the final day.
“The current campaign back in the Championship has clearly not progressed as anticipated, and after holding amicable talks following Monday’s defeat at QPR, the board and Rob have agreed to part with immediate effect.
“While the process to appoint a new manager is already underway, Paul Trollope and Richie Kyle, aided by Mick Harford, will take charge of the squad for Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie at Nottingham Forest.”
Edwards has won just seven of his 26 matches in the current campaign, leaving the Hatters 20th in the table and just two points above the drop zone.
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Monday’s 2-1 defeat at QPR was their fourth loss on the bounce.
And Luton have now parted ways with Edwards just 26 months after bringing him to Kenilworth Road.
Speaking after Luton’s defeat to QPR this week, Edwards admitted he was feeling the pressure in the dugout.
He said: “Every week on the road we seem to be getting hit and hit and hit.
“Things have gone against us recently.
“It just seems the footballing gods are against us.
“But results are not good enough.
“The players are giving everything but we are in a results business.”
Reflecting on Edwards’ time at the club, Luton CEO Gary Sweet said: “As with all decisions to part company with a manager, this has been a tough decision to arrive at, together with Rob, who has conducted himself with great professionalism and dignity throughout his two years at the Club, and again this week as we have genuinely come to a mutual conclusion.
“Rob has given us some of our greatest days to celebrate as Hatters. Those two barnstorming derby victories at Kenilworth Road, the play-off final at Wembley and our season in the Premier League will live with us forever and in doing so Rob has earned himself a legendary status.
“Results this season, especially away from home, have clearly not been acceptable and while we have supported Rob and his team in every possible way, we all felt that action was required to rectify this with 20 league matches still to play.
“It is typical of Rob’s humility that he also recognised this himself and leaves not just as a former manager, but as a trusted friend who has left his mark on every player and member of staff.
“Rob and his family will always be welcome visitors to Kenilworth Road. The door is always open. On behalf of the board, I would like to give him our heartfelt thanks for two years of tireless work and so many memories, wishing him every success for his future career.”
On his departure, Edwards himself said: “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.
“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.”
Steve Cooper, Gary O’Neil, Russell Martin and ex-Hatters are among the bookies’ favourites for the job.