Luton Town Captain Collapses During Championship Playoff Final

Luton Town manager, Rob Edwards, expressed that he could not enjoy his team’s promotion celebrations after learning that club captain, Tom Lockyer, collapsed during their shoot-out victory against Coventry City. Lockyer, aged 28, fell to the ground without any player around him just 12 minutes into the Championship playoff final. He was then stretchered off and taken to the hospital, where he was later confirmed to be conscious. Lockyer had been a crucial player in Luton’s defence all season, as the club only conceded 39 league goals.

Despite losing Lockyer, Luton Town still managed to secure their first-ever promotion to the Premier League with a 6-5 shoot-out victory, following a 1-1 draw. Edwards mentioned that Lockyer is currently undergoing tests, and the extent of his issue is still unknown. Edwards also stated that he does not know the extent of the problem that caused Lockyer to be taken off the pitch.

Edwards stated that the squad is very close, and if they are allowed to visit Lockyer in the hospital, they will. He expressed that he was not able to enjoy the celebrations because all he could think about was Lockyer. Defender Dan Potts also expressed his disappointment for Lockyer, mentioning that he deserved to be there holding that trophy.

Celebrations with a Heavy Heart

Lockyer’s father posted a picture on Twitter of the defender celebrating in the hospital after the victory. The squad members also held a “Lockyer 4” shirt during the trophy lifting celebrations. Edwards expressed that he needs to refocus the players and focus on the job at hand, which is playing in the Premier League. He said that they would do it for Lockyer and focus on the task ahead.

Luton Town’s promotion to the Premier League will be remembered for the unfortunate incident involving their captain, Tom Lockyer’s collapse. Despite the celebrations, the squad members were all thinking about Lockyer and his recovery. Edwards expressed that he was thankful that Lockyer is okay and that the squad is very close, and if they are allowed, they will visit him in the hospital.