Although they were separated by 10 points in the Championship standings in favor of Luton, the Hatters and Coventry played a draw all three times this season. And every time Luton had the lead. First, they led twice at their own stadium in September’s 2-2 draw, then from the first minute in February’s away game (1-1), and then in the most important ever duel between these two clubs – the final of the playoffs for placement in the Premier League. And again, Coventry managed to equalize the score to 1-1.That’s how the whole season, after 46 championship games, and three more in the playoffs and an additional half-hour in extra time, ended in a penalty shootout. And Luton footballers were more successful! All six chosen for the Hatters shot accurately. Five Coventry footballers were also successful, but not Fankaty Dabo. The former Chelsea pupil sent the ball far into the stands and Luton into the Premier League. Nine years ago, they played in the fifth tier, and now they have qualified for the most expensive, and probably the strongest, national league competition in the world.WE ARE PREMIER LEAGUE! 🏆#COVLUT | #COYH pic.twitter.com/gFgR6Ulc3N— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) May 27, 2023 The biggest credit for that goes to 40-year-old Welshman Rob Edwards. The former Aston Villa pupil, who spent most of his career playing for Wolverhampton and Blackpool, is doing a great job on the Luton bench. The young coach managed to lead Luton to the Championship playoffs last season, but then Huddersfield were more successful. This time there was no obstacle. First, the favored Sunderland were beaten, after losing in the first match (1-2, then 2:0), and now Coventry as well.Luton have no big names in their squad, it is a club with a very modest budget for transfers and player salaries, but once again the boys Edwards is counting on have shown that they have a big heart. They were not disturbed by the unpleasant detail that happened in the opening minutes of the match when Reece Burke fainted on the field.Not sure what happened with Tom Lockyer but this looked pretty scary pic.twitter.com/bYjRALETNx— Noah Robson (@noahrobson_) May 27, 2023 For sure, it was not easy for his teammates to continue the game, but as if it was more of a motive for them to show what they can do. They took the lead in the 23rd minute with a goal by Jordan Clark after a great breakthrough by Elijah Adebayo. Just five minutes later, he could have been one of the scorers, but he shot wide of the goal from a short position. Then, in the 41st minute, the 25-year-old Fulham native managed to shake the net, however, using his hand, the goal was disallowed.YOU CAN WATCH CLARK’S GOAL HERE.In the break between the two halves, Luton players were informed that Burke’s condition had improved and that he had started communicating with the doctors. They got rid of one psychological burden, but as time went on, another appeared – the knowledge that they were very close to the Premier League. Coventry took advantage of a lapse in concentration by their rivals to equalize in the 66th minute. Gustavo Hamer finished the counterattack on the left side with a precise shot.YOU CAN WATCH HAMER’S GOAL HERE.However, for the 20th time this season, Coventry failed to turn things around after losing. It is the only team in the Championship that has not made such a feat at least once. If you don’t count penalties, this was their eighth draw. But, unfortunately for them, penalties can be very important in the playoff final…Luton Town’s journey is simply incredible 🆙 🏆 pic.twitter.com/2Gx2bz6f13— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 27, 2023 Next season, the Premier League will be played in Luton, at the lovely Kenilworth Road with a capacity slightly larger than 10,000 seats. The Hatters will have to renovate their stadium, primarily to ensure adequate conditions for TV broadcasts. It was announced that these works will cost them about 10,000,000 euros, but they will certainly not be too stingy. The plan is to build a new stadium, the works should start during the next year, and the bonus of 100,000,000 euros for placing in the Premier League and potentially even more if the team wins survival, will certainly be of great importance to the club.This is not the first time Luton will compete in the top flight but this will be the first time that the club from the south of England plays in the Premier League since its foundation in 1992. A reminder – not so long ago they competed in the fifth tier. It was then that the midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu was brought to the club, who was still in the starting line-up today. Although his story is movie-like, the first star of the team is still 27-year-old Carlton Morris. He is the team’s top scorer with 20 goals, has never played in the Premier League and it will be interesting to see how he does with the best in England. There are some other interesting names, primarily the aforementioned Adebayo, but also 20-year-old Joseph Taylor, who replaced him at the end of the first overtime.This is our story.The first club to go from non-league to the Premier League! 🧡#COVLUT | #COYH pic.twitter.com/n2NvnBiURl— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) May 27, 2023 The Hatters join Burnley and Sheffield United who won direct promotion as two top-seeded Championship teams.EFL CHAMPIONSHIPPlay-Offs finalCoventry City – Luton Town 1-1 (0-1) /6-7 after penalties//Hamer 66 – Clark 23/
