Luton 1 Swansea 1 reaction: Is it now TIME FOR A CHANGE? | Mengi mess
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- The Town were held to a fortuitous 1-1 draw by Swansea City on Saturday afternoon on yet another day which isn’t going to live long in the memory bank of those in attendance.
Kev is joined as ever by The Lutonian journalist James Cunliffe to talk through a really dismal game of football, highlighting the little good, the much too bad and the all too ugly about the contest.
The boys then reflect on exactly where the Town are both in terms of their league position and various aspects of the club and chat through some of the incidents either side of the draw.
All this and a whole lot more on the longest running, award winning Luton Town podcast!
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The Luton Town Supporters' Trust was created, and initially named Trust in Luton, in 2003 to help force out unpopular former owner John Gurney.
Current club chief executive Gary Sweet was part of the group that effectively forced the club into administration and out of Mr Gurney's control, for a new consortium to take over, headed up by Bill Tomlins.
Another change of ownership again brought problems and administration followed again in 2007, until the club was eventually bought out by the fan-led 2020 consortium, headed up by Sweet, which has now helped steer the history-making Hatters from the non-league to the Premier League.
The Supporters' Trust is a democratic, non-profit organisation run by fans for fans. The purpose of a Trust is to help fans to join together and strengthen their influence over the way Luton Town Football Club is run, and to improve the links between their club and the community it serves.
In a way, we’re like a union, believing that many voices are stronger than one and that the best way to influence the club is to represent many fans, not just ourselves.
Absolutely loved the paint drying cam, brilliant, I'm going to watch the paint drying video on Tuesday night, instead of the Stoke match! And yes the story of James getting soaked was hilarious! 😂
I REALLY am worried now about our trajectory. It's really concerning now and I don't see any way out!!!
I agree with everything you have said about formation, tactics etc. the thing that worries me, is if you and most of the fans can see all this, why can’t the qualified coaches and management see the same thing, just proves they have started to lose the plot.
I totally agree with Kev, I for one am not a "happy clapper" but I was in the camp where I really needed to see Rob pull this around.
I am now in the camp where there has to be some sort of change before the January window.
But the players have to take some responsibility for the poor performances and the board for not releasing funds to replace the 23 players that were either released, sold or loaned out during the summer window.
Player Transferred to
Jack Bateson Farnborough
Jaemson Horlick Dulwich Hamlet
Andros Townsend Antalyaspor
Lamine Fann AIK (Sweden)
Louie Watson Released
Aribim Pepple Southend United
Jayden Luker Grimsby
Chiedozie Ogbene Ipswich
Alan Campbell Charlton
John McAtee Bolton Wanderers
Axel Piesold Cliftonville
Jacob Pinnington Solihull Moors
Jake Burger Rochdale
Gabe Osho Auxerre
Ross Barkley Aston Villa
Ryan Giles Hull City
Dion Pereira Dagenham & Redbridge
Jack Walton Dundee United
Luke Berry
Admiral Muskwe
Fred Onyedinma
Dan Potts
Elliot Thorpe
We have not really replaced like for like within the first team squad.
Kev, bang on with that analysis!!!! 👏
Good points shared on this chaps, you are spot on, something has to change and only one thing really can be changed. Suspect a poor performance and a sub 11K crowd will most prob force the board to act.
Love the paint drying cam!! Genius :) But not at all confident for Tues night.
I think we're all kidding ourselves if this is going to improve now. I cannot understand that after 19 games this season, plus since the turn of the year, why Edwards believes the 3 centre back system works. He and the coaching twits are the only one's who believe this. We all knew that Edwards has no backbone and that was proven on Saturday. He has no one else to blame now. We were fortunate that it ended 1-1. We have no pace, we aren't playing to the strengths of the players and it's now looking like a comedy sketch and not as funny as being splashed by a car! I have no idea what is going on. As I have said before, losing 2 of our coaches that imo carried the club for a few years, is now exposing the weakness of our backroom staff who just don't know what they are doing.
It would be fair to say that Edwards has now used up all his goodwill and the board, for all their efforts at saving the club, are now in danger of reversing all that good now. Maybe it's time to vote with our wallets and maybe then, the board will get the memo. Frankly, I am sick of it and there's no point giving Edwards money because he doesn't know how to spend it - his last few purchases have shown that. A smart man, would start giving minutes to the likes of Pelly, Taylor, JJ, etc but I feel that it's another excuse for Edwards to use.
We all knew Mengi was carrying an injury, I was stunned to learn that the poor lad was being made to play in that condition, when we had the summer break for an operation but no, the backroom twits strike again by putting a young player like him at a career ending injury risk. Shocking and disgraceful.
I fully expect us to be in the bottom 3 by the end of the festive period as nothing is or will change and only a Management and coaching team change is the remedy. FYI - the paint drying was better than watching the Swansea match and I hope Jimbo managed to dry off after being splashed. Been there and got soaked to the bone lol. Edwards has had the chance to fix it, he hasn't and it's time to get rid and take the backroom twits with him. COYH
Someone the 'other' day suggested a ONE-game boycott, in an attempt to show the club, the board what we, perhaps, ALL think !! I'm a STH, and I would be WILLING to do this, on the proviso that 'other' supporters would join me in doing so !! I think we are on a 'fastrack' to L1, I don't think Edwards has got ANYTHING left within him to offer !! He is 'stubborn', and just completely OUT of 'ideas', and it is the board and ONLY the board, who, CANNOT see this !! It's NOT the 1980's anymore where you would pay a couple of quid to stand on the terraces, football has become 'expensive' for MANY, and I think the board need to be made to recognise this !! After promotion to the PL, there, surely, MUST be SOME money available to, at the VERY least 'refresh' this squad !!
@@peteratkinson4263 Right now, I think the reason why the board are holding off, is to get until Xmas and see where we are at. But yes, the one change Edwards could make to this crazy system is the only thing he hasn't touched yet he appears happy to blame everyone else around him. Sir John Still was let go after the festive period, so perhaps the board will do the same this time around. Mark Robbins is sitting there waiting and would be the perfect fit IMO and will have more resources at Luton, albeit a smaller stadium!
@@welcome2mytruth I think JS was actually let go by the club shortly before Xmas 2015 !! I, on the 'one' hand, commend the board's loyalty to RE, (after all we are NOT W**ford) !! However, as I personally see it the longer we leave this, the less 'attractive' we then become to any potential new manager !! I don't think there are that many managers out there worth their 'salt' who will want to pick up a team, potentially in the bottom three, (with the transfer window gone), and risk THEIR 'future' reputation by trying to save a ship which is already HALF 'sunk' !! I think our ONLY 'choice' would then be a known 'firefighting' manager such as Warnock, Allardyce, or even Pulis, who are nearing the 'end' of their managerial careers !! IF we act NOW, with a transfer window coming up, and MORE than half the season yet to play, we would be giving any potential new manager a very 'fighting/sporting' chance, (along with a bit of help from the transfer window), to get us out of this 'malaise' that we are in !!
Gary Oneil might b soon as well used to no funds and weak squad
@@michaeldonohue8563 I don't think that would be a bad 'shout' really !!
Echoing your point about no shots from outside the box - so frustrating to watch. We don’t have anyone trying to score direct from free kicks either.
The stats make for relegation reading:
- Luton are 2 points outside the relegation zone
- Luton’s goal difference of minus 13 is the second worst in the league. Even worse than bottom side Hull.
- Only one team has conceded more goals than Luton’s 34.
- Of the 6 sides currently below Luton by a point or 2, three of them have a game in hand
- Portsmouth 2nd from bottom are 3 points behind Luton but with 2 games in game
- Luton are only 4 points from rock bottom
Luton are now a poor side - the stats don’t lie - nor do the dire performances.
Yet, we escaped from a far more perilous position in this league back in 2019/20.
And to add some spice, the teams below us have games in hand, win those and we are in the bottom 3. That of course is a big 'if' but Rooney has just appointed Phelan as the new coach and other teams have also made managerial changes while we are stuck with status quo.
Listened to the game on a Swansea watch along fan cam (incidentally they were very respectful of Luton) and their take was very different. There was a lot of praise during the game for how we played. It was only in the last 20 or so minutes after they scored they ramped it up a bit. Possibly expectation management was a bit out at the start of the season?
@ I don’t think many would be complaining if Luton were mid table, say on 25 points and just 6 points off a playoff place (eg had Luton beaten Coventry who they had led 0-2 at the hour mark, and bottom side QPR at the Kenny).
But at the start of the season no one could reasonably have foreseen that Luton would be 4 points off rock bottom… in early December.
@@Opensesame_2030 I don't think fans would be complaining if we saw SOME levels of actual improvement. 19 games in, fans are still waiting.
Said b4 left Adebayoon pitch every game when couldn't score now he is keeps being subbed or dropped one of many strange decisions
It's not a matter of if, it's when.... So when the board finally realises that it's time for Rob to depart, let's hope they do it in good time so the Town has a chance to rebuild from what's left of this miserable season... It won't improve, the chances of that happening are slim to none. So the question begs why are the board continuing to support Edwards? Obviously it's about the four year contract, but at what expense will this cost the future of LTFC? It's like betting on a three legged horse with all your savings, and they are taking advantage & liberties with the phrase of goodwill to all men at Christmas. In my opinion Rob has already been given all the goodwill that he deserves or warrants and now it's becoming a charity. So let's see a new face at the turn of the new year, so we can at least start as we mean to go on with fresh ideas and points in the bag, and possibly maintain a middle table position.
Spot on Kev, perfect analysis of a dire situation. Rob will and must be replaced. However, the problems are much deeper and difficult to fix. The board have been woeful since we won the play off. Refusing to invest in the quality of the playing staff needed at this level. Their only interest is Power Court. The recruitment team have been woeful, concentrating on cheap, crocked players. The medical team have been woeful unable to kerp players on the pitch. The players have been woeful and appear disinterested. Edwards has to go for his obstinate formation. Somehow we need to crawl through this season, then there has to be big big changes at the club, and sadly I think that has to start at the top. I appreciate the board has done wonders for the club, but now seem to have run out of steam.
The last time I was over to watch live, was the match I against out 'friends from down the road'.
My next visit, will be for the Derby match, so hoping we can put in a good performance & a convincing win before then (let's smash Stoke & Blackburn before then).
Come on you Hatters!!!! 🥃⚽🥃
I spoke to a friend in Sweden about Lamine Fanne and they said that he was the best player in the league for the season just finished and that we are lucky to have him…
its time for a change but as I have said before elsewhere that from a personal point of view I don't want to lose Rob Edwards. From a purely results and football sense he should have been gone months ago.
We needed new manager after the Sheffield united match the manager and coaching team haven’t got any idea we need new manager now to get proper system and to motivate the team
Mengi must surely be off either in Jan or next summer. I suspect the reason he is has had the operation now is because RE/ Club have had enough of his inconsistent performances and I would guess, a degree of negativity behind the scenes. Hopeful Mads is back now and can stay fit, in which case I see Mengi as Suplus to requirements. There is also the possibility of Lockyer returning in New Year, probably as a bit part player to cover others/ step in as needed/ raise morale.
The analogies are going too far now - washing machines 😂I can't disagree with anything you say in this episode, Kev's point about crowding the 6 yard box on an out-swinger is very true - I hope we don't see that again. However, I'm not as despaired after that performance. The conditions were tough - in that sort of weather anything can happen no matter who the opposition are. So I can understand the 5 at the back for defensive solidity, the low intensity from the players and the lack of attacking substitutions. I just hope we make the most of it by rotating the squad for Tuesday's match and manage this 3-game week better. And before anyone attacks me - I'm just trying to find some positives, since the Middlesborough game I've had the opinion that RE isn't the manager to take us forward but that isn't going to change until after the January transfer window. I still hope he learns quickly and proves me wrong of course.
Love the “paint dry cam”! Not sure how I feel about whole situation. I’d like Rob to stay, but I want the Rob and team that we saw in the Prem - we may have got relegated, but every game you could see there was fight! it’s pretty much the same personnel and I can’t see what’s gone wrong and how you rectify it. I’m not convinced that a change in manager is a “magic wand” to fix everything, but if he can’t get the team to actually play as a team, it’s a likely outcome. I do however want to say that today’s podcast also demonstrates the “crisis of confidence” that is spreading as I thought Luton controlled much of the first half although accepting Swansea might have more of the ball (as suggested in the pre-match podcast), and then went to pot in the second half. So although I agree it wasn’t great overall, there were some positives but they have disappeared from the podcast.
We need to give a new manager a transfer window if we have any chance of staying up
Love the addition of the paint drying cam! Glad to see everyone’s sense of humour is intact despite the glum performances.
I’m teetering on the edge regarding Edwards. Appreciate all he’s done for Luton with the promotion and proud showing last season, but unfortunately seems stuck in a rut at the moment. But I’m at a loss of who to bring in.
Oh and Jimbo. Confirmed it’s funny when it happens to anyone else!
You lads to dip a new pod but not under the trust banner so you can say your true feelings 1:09:20
You'd hardly call it football, Kev!!!! Good God!!!!!
There is a code amongst honourable men that you never mess with another man’s family, friends or job. Honour means nothing to folk trying to promote themselves. Narcissism rules for them.
You could literally be reading my mind Kev - you sound like you hurt as much as the rest of us. Somethings got to change and we cant change the 14 that get to play because the manager isn't willing to (quote 'I didn't see much behind me')
It is time for a change…doing the same thing definition of madness and all that
Edwards has got to go. He can take about 5 or 6 players with him too. This needs to stop. No one anticipated how bad we would be this season. Mid table would have been a let down. This is ridiculous. And, still, the club do nothing. What do they think is going to change and improve after all this time? Loyalty is one thing but this is just stupidity now
Something is wrong with the medical department and the coaches at the moment, and it's like 1960 all over again when last we left the top league. In three years we were in Division 4. Change has to happen soon.
The thing is Rob could of changed it. He could of got a tune out of this team but he is stuck in his way. his way or the highway
Since August, it has taken the both of you, and most of the super-loyal 'blinded' fans to face the truth.
Some of our players are still sulking the fact they are back in the Championship or new signings are not cutting the mustard, crap attitudes. No leaders.
As for my Bon-Jovi Karaoke RE, I have said it time after time. Nathan Jones built our team, RE picked up this legacy and ran with it; mostly winged it and got away with it with very few additions.
This season it has become abundantly clear, he is not the manager for us - fact. Regrettable, but - EDWARDS OUT.
the players have come to the conclusion there not good enough in this league, that is why lack of confidence, there getting outplayed by better players. better managers, better tactics, better everything.
You guys should be positive the journey you went on from National League to Premier League so take the good points, the heed fans like myself like watching your videos
Stephanie Heed historian
Imagine if..... Gary O,Neill gets the heave ho from Wolves. Wolves poach Edwards and pay us compensation. O'Neill is appointed Luton manager and all before Christmas!!
Gary O,Neill wont come to luton, for a start he would be to expensive, and want huge spending purse. and wolves wont want rob not as first manager.
We don't have the full info on Mengi. In his post, he said he had a knee issue that he did not want to deal with then. Maybe it was a small issue plus at the time we had long-term injuries in the team hence the rush buy of Mac G. I don't think there is a conflict of interest here. Mengi said he had this issue at end of season. How bad it was then we dont know. Also Mengi wanted to go to Torino maybe he did not like it done because he may lose the deal. If he had the Op then that deal would of been off straight away.
Can anyone give a reason as to why Edwards is still in place? Other than for old time’s sake and we’re way past room for sentiment. If I was a conspiracy theorist, I’d think the three of them were trying to engineer their sacking.
This was the nail in the coffin for me. I have supported Rob up to this game against Swansea. I thought he saw the same game as me against Norwich where we had control for most parts of the game. I thought he learned a lesson from that. WTF has Rob been watching to think to go back to a back 3 where we've all seen it's never worked all bloody season? Having a back 3 gives the other teams a chance to nullify us. Alfie is no wing back too he is an attacking left-back. they should have a winger in front of him. like in our promotion season. Rob has gone out with this plan from pre-season. It is HIS side HIS formation. He wanted to be different to what he inherited from Nathan. It's not working as he doesn't have the players. Kabore was a great right back but he had Ogbene in front of him. I have now lost hope in Rob because we all saw what we did at Norwich and he changed it. I think he go back 3 against Stoke too. I dont think he can see what we see its obvious. His other coaches are so stupid as they are not seeing it too. or they are just nodding there heads when Rob speaks.
A nimber of.people have asked "Why are Edwards and his coaching team still in a job?"
Simple , the board in their wisdom after being relegated , decided to.give Edwards and his coach 4 year contracts !! I cant explain their logic : you'll have to ask them !
So board ad well.as being reluctanct to.buy players with new stadium the priority , dont want to spend millions on getting rid and their replacments ? Edwards and his coaching buddies now look as their strategy is they are intent on engineering their sacking and big payoffs !!
i dont think they would engineer there sacking, would leave them with very poor CV
It was the same old rubbish again. Edwards looks clueless as how to solve the problems on the pitch. Not only that but he comes across as a defeated and broken man which is translating to the players. The players look disinterested and look like they have given up ( bunch of wimps) . 2020 have a lot to answer for , they have tried to survive the premier league with the least outlay possible. They continued that this season by signing freebies and sick notes. The club has become a joke over the last 12 months. Edwards has to go for a start and then a complete rebuild of the squad is needed. Most of the players we have are just not good enough.
It was a poor game to watch, Saturday but still got a point. Also, playing in those conditions is tough- so I think you have to give Rob/team some leeway with that performance result.
Swansea coped with the conditions just fine
Yes. But having said that, I don't watch them week in week out. Their possession statistics and passing accuracy are much better than Lutons- but by their own standards- were they better, worse, the same as usually under those conditions? I couldn't say. But I could see the Luton players struggling and having played in conditions like that myself in my youth, it can affect you. Especially if you low on confidence anyway. Swansea only scored once, so I'd argue the conditions did affect them. Look at the back pass that Eli bagged the goal from. Would that have happened on a normal, better weather condition day? Not so sure.
Mengi himself said he was advised to have surgery - maybe he refused and Edwards is not throwing him under the bus. Which, given Mengi will be out for a lengthy period is smart…the chances of him now getting a transfer away are reduced.
No manager though should be able to survive another shit performance at home tomorrow…lose with the same “style” of play tomorrow and RE should walk…
Confidence in the manager is at an all time low with both players and fans. 2020 have saved this club and given us a bright future but they now have a big decision before the atmosphere turns toxic at home and destroys the faith we have had since leaving the Conference.
Problem is the 4 year contract the Board gave Rob last summer. Can they afford to sack him? I think they will see what loan business can be done in January, and then hope!
Can they afford not to?
@@SoulfulHatter - Issue is the 3.5 years compensation they’d have to pay Rob Edwards if he were sacked now, the amount they’d have pay for an upgrade on Rob, and even then with no guarantees of better outcome. If Rob keeps picking up the odd win, they’ll probably stick with him.
@@Opensesame_2030 assume that's the issue - no reason for Rob to stay now - he's out of ideas and/or lost the dressing room - think board believes we will finish no worse than 4th bottom then regroup in summer
They've got millions in the bank so of course they can afford to sack him...
Ok.
1. Funny. Definitely funny.
2. Confidence wise that's the worst performance that I've seen and it's a huge worry unless that was rock bottom. Unfortunately I don't think it is.
3. I think it's far more likely that Mengi had a very minor tear picked up last season. The sort of tear that a scan wouldn't have even picked up 10 years ago. So he's told you could have surgery but it's not needed. Then he gets a full blown tear that requires surgery. Ask yourself the question. Has any player ever had two injuries that effect the same part of the body. Of course they have. James is on the right track.
4. We won't get consistency until there is a change that's allowed to flourish.
Andersen would pull a hernia sitting down!!!! Utter sicknote!!! I'd rather play my 9 year old nephew!!!
dog shite we are no leaders on the pitch
James, when you talk on your pre match interviews with Rob Edwards, can you talk abit louder cos we can never bloody hear you!
I have been a fan of Rob and was hoping he could turn it around. Unfortunately the road has run out now and I'm in the camp that we need a change. Maybe Nathan for 3rd time lucky? at least we would show some fight which we are going to need to stay up. All a bit depressing.
I know you got relegated last season but at least you were putting up a fight towards the end. Where has that fight gone. Has your team changed a lot this season. I thought you'd be pushing for at least the top 6 this season and not anywhere near the relegation zone. I think the worrying aspect is that there's no improvement and there's no sign of improvement. Surely it's time for a change now and try and get someone new in for the Christmas period and the Jan transfer window, if you're planning any activity. Only 2 points off relegation must have you worried. There are plenty of games to go and there are teams that are playing worse than you, are probably the positives for you right now.
Sentimentality is the only reason RE is still in a job. We have to put the club first, and move on
It's more to do.with board giving the 'coaching clowns' 4 year contracts for their success in getting relegated last season and don't want to pay out.millions in compensation for remaining contracts and more to replace them ?? Edwards and his coaches are now intent on forcing their exit with payoffs !!
@@douglaskirkwood4698 They won't have to pay off the 4 years (3 and a half years now). It's rare that clubs have to pay off an entire contract
RE should have gone after boro defeat. Wasting time
I think the 'reality' of all this is a supporter base, which, is getting increasingly 'disgruntled', and I think RIGHTLY so !! 🤐🤐🤐The infamous 'puddle' near Bury park Sainsbury's !! Was James any 'wetter' than the players on the pitch ?? I hope that supporter who was taken ill before the kick-off !!
Mengi stated himself that HE chose not to have surgery.
No medical team can make the player have surgery. They can advise BUT they can't force him into having it.
Wishing Teden a speedy & full recovery. 🥃⚽🥃
That's not really the issue here. Mengi's story that he's been carrying the injury for months contradicts the story Edwards told the press that he suffered a 'freak injury' in training last week. Whatever the truth is, it undermines Edwards' leadership.
Maybe he chose not to have surgery as it would have scuppered his chance of a transfer away
Time for change. Could be so different if tried different formation or positive subs. Rob is lost. Think we need change rescue our season, otherwise it could well be leaue one footy
1-0 Luton against Stoke in another artic conditions and once again paper over cracks then nothing at Blackburn and then same story 1-1 v Derby and paper over cracks again all the way to the transfer window. Bored of this now. COYH
It was awful watch think edwards will be gone in the new year do hope so
Stick Morris & Taylor upfront!!! 🥃⚽🥃
It's taken you this long to realise you are in a relegation battle??What happened to all your hype about Luton getting promoted again??
I think Kevin needs to remember what it says at the top of the Trust home page: " Together we are stronger" . And yet his comments seem to add fuel to the "disharmony" he refers to at the club and risks driving a wedge between the club and LTST. You state that Teden Menghi said he should have had surgery in May and I heard that thinking the club stopped that from happening. Yet when we hear Teden's actual words he clearly states that it was his decision not to have surgery earlier. Badly advised perhaps but his choice. Not the club blocking it as Kevin seems to imply.
I am a season ticket holder and also seen 4 away defeats so am as disappointed and frustrated as any Luton supporter at the minute but when I listen to this podcast and hear Kevin calling for the sacking of the manager I think that is overstepping the mark when you are speaking under the banner of LTST. You cant hide behind the phrase 'these are my views not those of the Trust'. The fact is that this IS the Supporter's Trust podcast not the Kevin Harper Show. You have to be a little more circumspect in my view or you risk sowing more disharmony not less.
Alternatively, they try and pull the wool over fans' eyes which they would, rightly, get criticism for. Anyone can see what's happening and they can see Edwards has lost it and they can see that we're so unbelievably dreadful at the moment. If they ignore the elephant in the room (Edwards's future) they would just have no credibility. The Trust have responded to every call for support the club put out when getting the planning permissions for PC and Newlands. They have done their bit. They are entitled to their say. The club can't have it both ways. The Trust is not and should not be a lapdog toeing the 'company' line all the time. If that is what is expected of them, by the club, then they should hand back the shares
Are you saying that whatever the hapless play we are seeing on the pitch plus hapless managerial decisions , any member of LTST should not publically refer to these and blindly support 'the leaders' even if we can see ourselves tetering into league 1 at the end of the season ??
@douglaskirkwood4698 No