Premier League team guide: Luton in the spotlight

Luton will play Premier League football for the first time in 2023-24 — completing a remarkable journey that started in non-league 10 years ago.

Their rapid rise from obscurity means the Hatters will undoubtedly go into the campaign as underdogs against their heavyweight top-flight opponents.

But that is a role the plucky Bedfordshire outfit have had no issue playing in the past and one they will relish as they punch above their weight once again.

Last season: Third (Championship)

When Nathan Jones left Kenilworth Road for Southampton last November, there were fears Luton's fairytale story may not have its happy ending after narrowly missing out in the 2021-22 Championship play-off semi-finals.

But replacement Rob Edwards proved an inspired choice, taking them from 10th to finish third by winning 14 of 25 league games. 

The ex-Watford boss then did what Jones could not by guiding Luton to the Championship final at Wembley, where his side clinched promotion with a shootout victory over Coventry.

New faces

Promoted teams often start to splash the cash once the riches of the Premier League become available but Luton have stuck to the sensible recruitment policy that has got them this far.

Chiedozie Ogbene, Mads Andersen and Tahith Chong have all joined for relatively low fees, while one of their stars from last season, Marvelous Nakamba, has returned from Aston Villa on a permanent deal. 

Manchester City loanee Issa Kabore and Wolves academy graduate Ryan Giles bolster the full-back areas, with the latter providing 11 assists during an impressive loan spell at Middlesbrough last term.

Whether the new additions are enough remains to be seen but it is clear the Hatters will not be gambling financial stability in the hope they beat the drop.

One to watch: Carlton Morris

Carlton Morris needs no second introduction to Championship fans and it would not be a surprise to see Luton's striker turning heads in the top flight. 

Morris, 27, joined the Hatters for a record fee from Barnsley and was a revelation in the second tier, scoring a career-high 20 goals.

His pace and power are perfectly suited to his side's direct style of play. 

And with quick feet and clinical finishing, Morris looks to have the tools to be a problem for any top-flight defender.

The boss: Rob Edwards

Former Wales international Edwards began last season at fierce rivals Watford but his sacking after just 10 games was arguably a blessing in disguise.

Underappreciated in Hertfordshire, the 40-year-old tactician is now adored in Bedfordshire after guiding Luton back to the top flight after 31 years away.

Having started coaching at the tender age of 30, promotion with Luton is the latest notable achievement on what is an impressive managerial CV — which also includes taking Forest Green to League One in 2021-22.

All information correct as of August 4, 2023