2011–12 Luton Town F.C. season

English football club season December 2017 February 2015 Luton Town 2011–12 2010–11 2012–13 Gary Brabin (until 31 March 2012)Alan Neilson (caretaker manager from 31 March 2012 to 8 April 2012)Paul Buckle (from 8 April 2012) Nick Owen Conference Premier 5th (play-off finalists) FA Cup Second round FA Trophy Semi-final Stuart Fleetwood (11) Stuart Fleetwood (16) 9,012 vs Wrexham (Conference Premier play-off semi-final, 3 May 2012) 1,004 vs Hinckley United (FA Trophy Second round replay, 24 January 2012) 5,542 _navyborder _lutontown2011 _navyborder _white_border _orangetop FF3300 FF3300 FF3300 000033 ffffff _lutontown2011a _white_border ffffff ffffff ffffff ff3300 ffffff _whiteshoulders _orangecollar _whiteshoulders _sides_on_white _orangetop 000033 000033 000033 000033 ffffff The 2011–12 season was the 126th season in the history of Luton Town Football Club. Their third-place finish and subsequent penalty shoot-out loss to AFC Wimbledon in the Conference Premier play-off final in 2010–11 meant they competed in non-League football for the third consecutive year. Luton finished the season in fifth place – the club's lowest ever finish in the English football league system – though this was enough to secure a play-off place in the last game of the league season. As in 2010–11, Luton defeated Wrexham in the play-off semi-final, only to be beaten in the final, this time in a 2–1 loss to York City at Wembley Stadium. Manager Gary Brabin was sacked in late March 2012 after a poor run of results saw Luton fall to seventh in the table and lose in the FA Trophy semi-final. He was replaced by former Torquay United and Bristol Rovers manager Paul Buckle. This article covers the period from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012. Background History of Luton Town F.C. (1970–present) List of Luton Town F.C. seasons 2010–11 Luton Town F.C. season After a 30-point deduction and subsequent relegation from The Football League in 2008–09, Luton found themselves in unfamiliar territory in a league outside the top four divisions for the first time in 89 years. Their first campaign in the Conference Premier ended with defeat in the play-offs to York City, despite finishing the season in second place with the highest goals scored tally. The next season saw the club again placed as favourites for promotion, though no team in the division could even come close to overtaking runaway leaders Crawley Town as champions. The failure to win automatic promotion saw manager Richard Money leave the club by mutual consent towards the end of the season, where he was replaced by assistant manager Gary Brabin. Luton Town replace Richard Money with Gary Brabin https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/12881087 BBC Sport 28 March 2011 22 May 2011 The season also saw a large turnaround in playing staff, not least in the departures of the 2009–10 season's top scorers Tom Craddock and Kevin Gallen, sold and loaned respectively to clubs in the league above, and the retirement of club captain Kevin Nicholls. The club's transfer policy, previously focused on signing experienced ex-league players like Mark Tyler, Adam Newton and Alan White, instead shifted to buying younger players who had spent the vast majority of their career in non-league football, such as Andy Drury, Charlie Henry, Alex Lawless, Amari Morgan-Smith, Jason Walker, and Robbie Willmott. Luton finished in third place in the league, 21 points behind Crawley, meaning they were entered into the play-offs for the second year in a row. The club played Wrexham in the semi-final, winning 5–1 on aggregate in two dominating displays. Luton Town 2–1 Wrexham (agg 5–1) https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/9475888.stm BBC Sport 10 May 2011 22 May 2011 This set up a final against AFC Wimbledon at the City of Manchester Stadium, from which Luton lost 4–3 in a penalty shoot-out after a goalless and evenly matched 120 minutes. AFC Wimbledon 0–0 Luton Town (4–3 on pens) https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13418508 BBC Sport 21 May 2011 24 May 2011 In the close season, Luton began reshaping their squad for the next year. Adam Newton, Lloyd Owusu, Zdeněk Kroča and Jason Walker all left the club, while Aaron O'Connor and Dean Beckwith were bought in as free transfers on a two-year contract. Review July On 1 July, winger Claude Gnakpa signed on a free transfer for League One side Walsall after reaching the end of his Luton contract. Gnakpa had scored 15 goals in the previous season. Walsall add former Luton winger Claude Gnakpa to squad https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13997538 BBC Sport 1 July 2011 2 July 2011 Defenders Ed Asafu-Adjaye and Fred Murray both signed new contracts with the club on 12 July.Ed & Fred sign new contracts http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2391383,00.html Luton Town F.C. 12 July 2011 13 July 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110716002032/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~2391383%2C00.html 16 July 2011 A friendly against near-neighbours Hitchin Town on 15 July saw Luton run out as 4–2 winners, with trialist Drewe Broughton scoring two goals. Hitchin Town 2–4 Luton Town http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2393929,00.html Luton Town F.C. 15 July 2011 25 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110717201711/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2393929,00.html 17 July 2011 dead dmy-all Following this, the club embarked on a pre-season tour of North Wales, beginning with a match against The New Saints on 17 July. Luton were comprehensively beaten 3–0. Town toppled by TNS http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2394817,00.html Luton Town F.C. 15 July 2011 25 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120913074134/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2394817,00.html 13 September 2012 dead dmy-all Luton followed up their loss to TNS with a 2–1 victory over Airbus UK Broughton on 19 July. They ended the tour on a high, with Matthew Barnes-Homer scoring the only goal in a 1–0 win against Colwyn Bay on 21 July. During the tour a number of players were taken on trial, including Broughton, defender Will Antwi, and midfielder Jon Routledge. Airbus UK 1–2 Luton http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2396745,00.html Luton Town F.C. 20 July 2011 25 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110722141932/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2396745,00.html 22 July 2011 dead dmy-all Barnes-Homer shoots down Seagulls http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Barnes-Homer-shoots-down-Seagulls-22072011.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 22 July 2011 25 July 2011 On 18 July, the club signed Crawley Town winger James Dance for an undisclosed fee on a two-year contract. Luton Town sign James Dance from Crawley https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14200186 BBC Sport 19 July 2011 20 July 2011 A local friendly at Bedford Town on 23 July ended in a 1–0 victory for the home side. Luton had retained Antwi and Broughton as trialists, in addition to former Rushden & Diamonds defender Curtis Osano and out-of-contract striker Leon McKenzie. Eagles land victory over Town after Beckwith error http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Eagles-land-victory-over-Town-after-Beckwith-error-23072011.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 23 July 2011 25 July 2011 Luton's first home friendly was on 27 July against Azerbaijan Premier League side Gabala FC, managed by former England captain Tony Adams. Fielding a team that involved new trialist striker Nathan Elder, Luton lost the game 3–2, with goals coming from Elder and new signing Aaron O'Connor. Young midfielder Adam Watkins drew praise from manager Gary Brabin after the game for his performance against strong opposition. Watkins has been our best player – Brabin http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Watkins-has-been-our-best-player-Brabin-27072011.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 27 July 2011 28 July 2011 On 29 July, Luton signed defensive duo Will Antwi and Curtis Osano on six-month contracts after a successful trial period. Curtis Osano and Will Antwi earn Luton Town deals https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14344587 BBC Sport 29 July 2011 29 July 2011 Osano scored a 25-yard goal in a 4–0 win over Cambridge City on 30 July. Other goals came from Adam Watkins and two from Aaron O'Connor. Osano celebrates deal with cracker http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Osano-celebrates-deal-with-cracker-30072011.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 30 July 2011 1 August 2011 August On 2 August Luton played against Italian Serie A side Parma, losing 2–0. Luton 0–2 Parma http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2408349,00.html Luton Town F.C. 2 August 2011 4 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111005012627/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2408349,00.html 5 October 2011 dead dmy-all The club's final pre-season fixture at home was a match on 5 August against Premier League team Queens Park Rangers. Luton conceded a goal within 30 seconds of kick-off, but recovered to record a 3–1 victory over their more illustrious opponents. Super subs down Premier League new boys http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Super-subs-down-Premier-League-new-boys-05082011.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 5 August 2011 6 August 2011 The last first-team friendly, albeit with a weaker squad than the one that beat QPR, took place the next day, with Luton going down 2–1 to Conference North side Corby Town. Ex-Hatter Burgess downs Luton http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Ex-Hatter-Burgess-downs-Luton-06082011.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 6 August 2011 7 August 2011 Former Southampton and Southend United striker Matt Paterson was on trial with Luton, playing for the majority of the game against Corby. The final game of pre-season involved a Luton XI side playing against Arlesey Town in the Bedfordshire Premier Cup final on 9 August. Luton lost the game 2–1, with Danny Crow scoring. Youthful Hatters beaten in Beds Premier Cup Final http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town-hatters/youthful_hatters_beaten_in_beds_premier_cup_final_1_2947868 Luton Today Johnston Publishing Ltd 9 August 2011 11 August 2011 16 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120316114507/http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town-hatters/youthful_hatters_beaten_in_beds_premier_cup_final_1_2947868 dead After the game, it was confirmed that trialists Nathan Elder and Matt Paterson would not be offered contracts. Brabin rules out moves for strike duo http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town-hatters/brabin_rules_out_moves_for_strike_duo_1_2951751 Luton Today Johnston Publishing Ltd 11 August 2011 11 August 2011 16 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120316114518/http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town-hatters/brabin_rules_out_moves_for_strike_duo_1_2951751 dead Luton made a bid for League Two side Oxford United's striker James Constable on 10 August, though this was rejected by the club. Luton boss confirms bid for Oxford striker Constable http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town-hatters/luton_boss_confirms_bid_for_oxford_striker_constable_1_2951745 Luton Today Johnston Publishing Ltd 11 August 2011 11 August 2011 16 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120316114528/http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town-hatters/luton_boss_confirms_bid_for_oxford_striker_constable_1_2951745 dead On 11 August, it was confirmed that Luton's first game of the season against AFC Telford United would be postponed due to stretched police resources in the wake of the 2011 England riots and a planned English Defence League march in Telford that same day. AFC Telford game off http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2416612,00.html Luton Town F.C. 11 August 2011 11 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120209110050/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2416612,00.html 9 February 2012 dead dmy-all On 12 August, Luton loaned out young defenders Alex Lacey and JJ O'Donnell to Cambridge City for one month. Roberts in loans lift http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Roberts-in-loans-lift-12082011.htm Cambridge News Cambridge Newspapers Ltd 12 August 2011 15 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120925070542/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Roberts-in-loans-lift-12082011.htm 25 September 2012 dead dmy-all Luton's first game of the season against Forest Green Rovers on 16 August ended in a 1–1 draw, with Dean Beckwith scoring a goal on his debut. Luton 1–1 Forest Green https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14532921 BBC Sport 16 August 2011 17 August 2011 The next day, it was announced that Forest Green had turned down a bid from Luton for their top-scorer Reece Styche. Forest Green turn down Luton Town Reece Styche bid https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14558037 BBC Sport 17 August 2011 17 August 2011 Later, it also emerged Gateshead had rejected a £40,000 bid for their own top-scorer Jon Shaw. Gateshead reject Luton's offer for Jon Shaw http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/non-league-football/2011/08/17/gateshead-reject-luton-s-offer-for-jon-shaw-72703-29249906/ The Chronicle ncjMedia Limited 17 August 2011 17 August 2011 Luton recorded a 5–1 victory over Southport on 20 August, with goals coming from Adam Watkins, Will Antwi, Amari Morgan-Smith, Robbie Willmott and Danny Crow. Luton 5–1 Southport https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14590685 BBC Sport 20 August 2011 22 August 2011 Two days after his impressive performance against Southport, 19-year-old Watkins signed a two-year contract extension. Youngster Adam Watkins wins Luton Town deal https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14619072 BBC Sport 22 August 2011 22 August 2011 Before Luton's game away at Mansfield Town on 23 August, it was announced that first-team midfielders Alex Lawless, Keith Keane and Robbie Willmott had all picked up injuries and were ruled out, expanding the injury list to seven first-team players. Luton went a goal down for the third time in as many games, but secured a 1–1 draw when Will Antwi headed in late on. Mansfield 1–1 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14620735 BBC Sport 23 August 2011 24 August 2011 On 25 August, striker Matthew Barnes-Homer joined League One side Rochdale on loan until January 2012. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14670407 Rochdale seal Matthew Barnes-Homer loan 25 August 2011 BBC Sport 26 August 2011 The next day, Southport attacking midfielder John Paul Kissock joined Luton on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee. As part of the deal, Luton midfielder Godfrey Poku and striker Dan Walker joined Southport on loan until December 2011. http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2433270,00.html Town capture Kissock 26 August 2011 Luton Town F.C. 27 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120918134342/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2433270,00.html 18 September 2012 dead dmy-all League One side Stevenage made two bids for Luton midfielder Keith Keane on 27 August, though both were rejected.http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10839~2433669,00.html Stevenage bid for Keane rejected 27 August 2011 Stevenage F.C. 27 August 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120612025640/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0%2C%2C10839~2433669%2C00.html 12 June 2012 Luton played Braintree Town later that day, winning 3–1 with two goals from Amari Morgan-Smith and one from Jake Howells. Luton 3–1 Braintree Town https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14672323 BBC Sport 27 August 2011 27 August 2011 Luton played their second away game of the season on 30 August, managing a 2–2 draw against Hayes & Yeading United despite having missed two penalties during the game. Amari Morgan-Smith and Danny Crow scored Luton's goals, which left the club eighth in the table at the end of August with a game in hand over all teams above them. Hayes & Yeading 2–2 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14672323 BBC Sport 30 August 2011 1 September 2011 Transfer deadline day, 31 August, saw Luton reject a bid from Forest Green for winger Robbie Willmott. Luton reject second Willmott bid from Forest Green Rovers https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14736628 BBC Sport 31 August 2011 1 September 2011 Later that evening, Luton signed two strikers; Trinidad and Tobago international Collin Samuel as a free agent on a one-year contract, and Hereford United's Stuart Fleetwood on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Luton sign forwards Stuart Fleetwood and Collin Samuel https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14741552 BBC Sport 31 August 2011 1 September 2011 September Luton played Stockport County on 2 September, conceding a goal in stoppage time to record a 1–1 draw. Alex Lawless had put Luton ahead in the fifth minute with a 25-yard strike, before Stockport hit back late on through a deflected Sean McConville goal. Stuart Fleetwood made his debut as a substitute, hitting the post with the last kick of the game. Stockport 1–1 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14749407 BBC Sport 2 September 2011 4 September 2011 On 9 September Luton signed Hayes & Yeading United captain Jamie Hand on loan. Luton Town clinch deal for Hayes' Jamie Hand https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14859971 BBC Sport 9 September 2011 11 September 2011 Hand made his debut in midfield the next day as Luton ran out comfortable 2–0 victors over Darlington. Danny Crow opened the scoring in the first half, before Darlington had Graeme Lee sent off for persistent fouling. Stuart Fleetwood scored the second goal on his home debut. Luton 2–0 Darlington https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14829203 BBC Sport 10 September 2011 11 September 2011 A 2–0 win over AFC Telford United on 13 September propelled Luton to third in the table. Amari Morgan-Smith scored both goals, taking his tally for the season to six. This game also saw Keith Keane make his 250th appearance for the club. AFC Telford United 0–2 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14829273 BBC Sport 13 September 2011 14 September 2011 Four days later, the club extended its winning run to three games with a 1–0 home victory over Lincoln City, Stuart Fleetwood scoring the winning goal late on. The victory was made more significant as Luton had played 70 minutes of the match with only 10 men after Dean Beckwith was sent off for violent conduct. Luton 1–0 Lincoln City https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14864205 BBC Sport 17 September 2011 17 September 2011 With Beckwith suspended for the next three games, and defenders George Pilkington, Shane Blackett, Dan Gleeson, Fred Murray, Curtis Osano and Keith Keane all injured, manager Gary Brabin moved to bring in Hungarian centre-back János Kovács on an emergency one-month loan from Hereford United on 19 September. Kovács had previously played for Luton in the latter half of the 2009–10 season. Luton Town return for Hereford United defender Kovacs https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14980324 BBC Sport 19 September 2011 19 September 2011 Kovács played the next day away at Bath City. Morgan-Smith scored for Luton late in the first half, but Bath hit back to secure a 1–1 draw, despite ending the match with nine men. Other results meant the draw lifted Luton to the top of the table for the first time in the season. Bath City 1–1 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14893541 BBC Sport 20 September 2011 22 September 2011 The next day, Luton sold 16-year-old youth midfielder Michael Cain to Championship side Leicester City. The transfer fee was an undisclosed five figure fee, with add-ons and a sell-on clause included. Youngster Cain joins Foxes http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2456658,00.html Luton Town F.C. 21 September 2011 22 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110926200427/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2456658,00.html 26 September 2011 dead dmy-all Luton underwent back-to-back defeats to York City and Cambridge United on 24 and 27 September respectively, knocking them from first to ninth in the table. York 3–0 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14957915 BBC Sport 24 September 2011 28 September 2011 Luton 0–1 Cambridge https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14982540 BBC Sport 27 September 2011 28 September 2011 During the half-time break of the 3–0 defeat away at York, midfielder Alex Lawless broke his hand after punching a wall out of frustration, resulting in him being ruled out for around a month and being handed a fine. Luton Town's Alex Lawless breaks hand in wall punch https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15063746 BBC Sport 26 September 2011 28 September 2011 October October began with Luton getting back to winning ways, claiming a 5–1 home victory over Barrow. Despite going a goal down within two minutes, two goals from Robbie Willmott, one from Adam Watkins, a first Luton goal from winger James Dance, and one from top scorer Amari Morgan-Smith secured the win, pushing the club into sixth place in the table. Luton 5–1 Barrow https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15045329 BBC Sport 1 October 2011 2 October 2011 A week later, Luton won their second away game of the season with a 2–1 victory at Kidderminster Harriers, winger Robbie Willmott scoring two goals for the second game in succession. Defenders Shane Blackett and George Pilkington made their first appearances of the season as they returned from long-term injuries. Kidderminster 1–2 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15135240 BBC Sport 8 October 2011 8 October 2011 On 11 October, Luton drew 2–2 away to Ebbsfleet United, conceding two late goals after strikes from Morgan-Smith and Dance had initially put them in control. Ebbsfleet Utd 2–2 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15162791 BBC Sport 11 October 2011 16 October 2011 Four days later Luton beat fellow promotion-hopefuls Gateshead 5–1 at Kenilworth Road. Two goals apiece from Jake Howells and Jamie Hand, and one from Aaron O'Connor, pushed the club into third in the table. Luton 5–1 Gateshead https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15225699 BBC Sport 15 October 2011 16 October 2011 Tommy Wright signed as a free agent on a three-month deal on 18 October. Luton Town bring in journeyman striker Tommy Wright https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15349354 BBC Sport 18 October 2011 22 October 2011 The same day, Luton lost 1–0 at home to Wrexham. Luton 0–1 Wrexham https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15252339 BBC Sport 18 October 2011 22 October 2011 Luton won their third away game of the season on 21 October, beating Grimsby Town 1–0, with Wright scoring his first goal for the club. Grimsby 0–1 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15302481 BBC Sport 21 October 2011 22 October 2011 János Kovács re-signed on loan from Hereford United until January 2012, with a view to a permanent move. The initial loan move would go through on 4 November. Luton Town agree Janos Kovacs loan extension https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15505959 BBC Sport 28 October 2011 1 November 2011 Luton played Hendon in the FA Cup Fourth round qualifying on 29 October. Despite conceding an early goal, Luton went on to comfortably win the game 5–1, O'Connor scoring two goals. The game saw Charlie Henry make his Luton debut; despite initially signing for the club 11 months previously, a serious foot injury had prevented Henry from playing until now. O'Connor doubles up in five-star cup win http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/OConnor-doubles-up-in-five-star-cup-win-29102011.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 29 October 2011 1 November 2011 Luton were drawn against near-neighbours Northampton Town for the next round of the FA Cup. Curtis Osano signed a six-month contract extension on 31 October, keeping him at the club until May 2012. Curtis Osano earns extended Luton Town stay https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15526114 BBC Sport 31 October 2011 1 November 2011 November Luton lost their third home game of the season on 5 November, going down 2–1 to league leaders Fleetwood Town, a result that pushed the club down to seventh place in the table. Luton 1–2 Fleetwood https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15504425 BBC Sport 5 November 2011 18 November 2011 Defender Alex Lacey joined Conference South side Thurrock on a one-month loan in early November, while Trinidadian striker Collin Samuel left the club on 8 November, after making just one substitute appearance. Collin Samuel exits Luton Town after one game https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15641391 BBC Sport 8 November 2011 18 November 2011 On 10 November Jamie Hand extended his loan with Luton until 14 December, and the club signed Darlington left-back Greg Taylor on loan, with a permanent transfer due to take place in January. Current left-back Fred Murray, who was expected to take up to 12 months to recover from a serious knee injury, was de-registered as a player (albeit still contracted to the club) in order to make room for Taylor. Jamie Hand earns Luton Town loan extension https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15681964 BBC Sport 10 November 2011 18 November 2011 Luton Town net Darlington defender Greg Taylor https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15693255 BBC Sport 11 November 2011 18 November 2011 Fred still has a Hatters future http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Fred-still-has-a-Hatters-future-16112011.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 16 October 2011 18 November 2011 Luton beat League Two strugglers Northampton Town 1–0 in the FA Cup first round on 12 November, substitute Adam Watkins scoring a late winner. Luton 1–0 Northampton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15604868 BBC Sport 12 November 2011 18 November 2011 Luton were drawn at home to Cheltenham Town for the second round. On 16 November 18-year-old Stoke City striker Ryan Brunt joined Luton on loan until 1 January 2012. Luton Town sign teenage Stoke City striker Ryan Brunt https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15762892 BBC Sport 16 November 2011 18 November 2011 Luton drew 1–1 away at fellow play-off hopefuls Cambridge United on 19 November, with Stuart Fleetwood scoring his first league goal in two months. Cambridge Utd 1–1 Luton https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/15705157.stm BBC Sport 19 November 2011 24 January 2012 With the loan transfer window closing, Luton sent Charlie Henry and Will Antwi out on loan to Aldershot Town and Grimsby Town respectively on 24 November. Aldershot Town sign Greg Pearson and Charlie Henry on loan https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/aldershot/9647141.stm BBC Sport 24 November 2011 24 January 2012 Grimsby Town sign Luke McCarthy and Will Antwi https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15877453 BBC Sport 24 November 2011 24 January 2012 Danny Crow scored a stoppage-time winner as Luton beat Newport County 1–0 on 26 November. Newport County 0–1 Luton https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/15802720.stm BBC Sport 26 November 2011 24 January 2012 A 1–1 home draw against AFC Telford United on 29 November left Luton in sixth place in the table. Luton 1–1 AFC Telford https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/15831930.stm BBC Sport 29 November 2011 24 January 2012 December Luton were knocked out of the FA Cup by League Two side Cheltenham Town on 3 December, losing 4–2 with Aaron O'Connor scoring both goals. Luton 2–4 Cheltenham https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/15901950.stm BBC Sport 3 December 2011 24 January 2012 In the league, the club conceded another late goal as they drew 1–1 with struggling Lincoln City. Luton ended the game with 9 men as Jamie Hand and Alex Lawless were both sent off. Lincoln City 1–1 Luton https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/15933216.stm BBC Sport 6 December 2011 24 January 2012 Goalkeeper Mark Tyler signed a one-year contract extension on 8 December. Mark Tyler earns extended Luton Town deal https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16098026 BBC Sport 8 December 2011 24 January 2012 Luton progressed to the second round of the FA Trophy two days later with a 2–0 victory over Swindon Supermarine. Luton 2–0 Swindon Supermarine http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10372~61336,00.html Luton Town F.C. 10 December 2011 24 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120110142450/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10372~61336,00.html 10 January 2012 dead dmy-all Two league victories towards the end of December, a 3–1 win over Tamworth and a 5–0 thrashing of Kettering Town, meant Luton ended the month in the play-off positions. Tamworth 1–3 Luton https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/16124184.stm BBC Sport 17 December 2011 24 January 2012 Luton 5–0 Kettering https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/16240648.stm BBC Sport 26 December 2011 24 January 2012 January Luton mirrored their 5–0 home win against Kettering Town with another 5–0 victory in the away game on New Year's Day. Kettering 0–5 Luton https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/16328572.stm BBC Sport 1 January 2012 24 January 2012 The same day saw striker Matthew Barnes-Homer leave the club, while defender Will Antwi was released the next day. The club also made permanent the loan signings of defenders János Kovács and Greg Taylor, who both signed 18-month contracts. Striker Matthew Barnes-Homer leaves Luton Town https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16378502 BBC Sport 1 January 2012 24 January 2012 Luton Town sign Janos Kovacs from Hereford United https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16385449 BBC Sport 2 January 2012 24 January 2012Taylor loan turns permanent http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2564436,00.html Luton Town F.C. 3 January 2012 24 January 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120213162857/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~2564436%2C00.html 13 February 2012 Fourth and fifth successive league victories in early January followed with a 2–0 home win against Newport County and a 1–0 win against Stockport County. These cemented Luton's third position in the table. Luton 2–0 Newport https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/16371943.stm BBC Sport 7 January 2012 24 January 2012 Luton 1–0 Stockport https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/16388664.stm BBC Sport 10 January 2012 24 January 2012 After the initial game was postponed due to a frozen pitch, the club's FA Trophy second round tie with Hinckley United was played out on 18 January. The two clubs struggled to a 0–0 draw, meaning a replay would be played on 23 January. Hinckley 0–0 Luton http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10372~61431,00.html Luton Town F.C. 18 January 2012 24 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120902123505/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10372~61431,00.html 2 September 2012 dead dmy-all The club released Tommy Wright on 18 January, and moved to bring in striker Craig McAllister on loan from Newport County until the end of the season. Luton Town sign Newport County's Craig McAllister on loan https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16614326 BBC Sport 18 January 2012 24 January 2012 Luton's winning run in the league came to an end as they drew 3–3 away at Southport on 21 January. Southport 3–3 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16559230 BBC Sport 21 January 2012 24 January 2012 The FA Trophy replay with Hinckley two days later resulted in a 3–0 win for Luton. The game saw young midfielder Jerry Nash make his first start for the club. Luton 3–0 Hinckley http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10372~61466,00.html Luton Town F.C. 23 January 2012 24 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120127051135/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10372~61466,00.html 27 January 2012 dead dmy-all Luton drew for the eleventh time in the league on 25 January in a 0–0 stalemate with Mansfield Town. Luton 0–0 Mansfield https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16606926 BBC Sport 25 January 2012 27 January 2012 A George Pilkington penalty saw Luton beat Alfreton Town 1–0 on 28 January. Luton 1–0 Alfreton Town https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16664231 BBC Sport 28 January 2012 30 January 2012 On 31 January, transfer deadline day, Luton signed York City midfielder Andre Boucaud on an 18-month contract for a fee of £25,000. Andre Boucaud joins Luton Town for £25,000 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16822328 BBC Sport 31 January 2012 1 February 2012 February Luton played Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Trophy third round on 7 February, winning 2–1 and putting the club into the quarter-final draw. Fleetwood fires up Town's Trophy bid http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Fleetwood-fires-up-Towns-Trophy-bid-07022012.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 7 February 2012 8 February 2012 The club's game away to Forest Green Rovers on 11 February was postponed due to a frozen pitch. Forest Green P–P Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16884482 BBC Sport 11 February 2012 18 February 2012 The club won their next league game on 18 February, taking their unbeaten run to 13 games, with a 3–0 home victory over Tamworth. Luton 3–0 Tamworth https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16994610 BBC Sport 18 February 2012 18 February 2012 On 20 February, goalkeeper Kevin Pilkington was appointed goalkeeping coach of Notts County alongside their new manager Keith Curle. Luton released Pilkington from his playing contract to allow him to take up the role.Kevin Pilkington joins Magpies http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2617628,00.html Luton Town F.C. 20 February 2012 21 February 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120223140446/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~2617628%2C00.html 23 February 2012 dmy Keith Curle appointed new Notts County manager https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17098979 BBC Sport 20 February 2012 21 February 2012 Luton lost 1–0 to Barrow on 21 February, effectively eliminating any hope of automatic promotion due to league leaders Fleetwood Town extending their own unbeaten run to 18 games and pulling ahead by 14 points. Barrow 1–0 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17023323 BBC Sport 21 February 2012 27 February 2012 Luton won the FA Trophy quarter-final against Gateshead 2–0 on 25 February, with goals from John Paul Kissock and Keith Keane. Keane wonder strike seals place in semis http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Keane-wonder-strike-seals-place-in-semis-25022012.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 25 February 2012 27 February 2012 The club were drawn to play York City in the two-legged semi-final. March Luton sold youth player Tarum Dawkins to Premier League side Arsenal on 2 March, for what was described as a "significant transfer fee". Dawkins was also being scouted by fourteen other clubs in addition to Arsenal. Town starlet joins Arsenal http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2630730,00.html Luton Town F.C. 2 March 2012 2 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120304205750/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2630730,00.html 4 March 2012 dead dmy-all The club beat bottom-of-the-table Bath City 2–0 on 3 March, but this would prove the last win throughout eight games in March. Luton 2–0 Bath https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17163036 BBC Sport 3 March 2012 2 May 2012 League losses to Wrexham, Forest Green Rovers and York City, and draws against struggling Darlington and mid-table Grimsby Town pushed Luton out of the top five and left them with the very real prospect of failing to qualify for the play-offs. Wrexham 2–0 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17201208 BBC Sport 7 March 2012 2 May 2012 Darlington 1–0 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17268031 BBC Sport 13 March 2012 2 May 2012 Forest Green 3–0 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17349215 BBC Sport 20 March 2012 2 May 2012 Luton 1–1 Grimsby https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17412133 BBC Sport 24 March 2012 2 May 2012 Luton 1–2 York https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17485023 BBC Sport 30 March 2012 2 May 2012 In addition, York City defeated Luton 2–1 on aggregate to knock them out of the FA Trophy at the semi-final stage for the second year in a row. York 1–0 Luton http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10372~61518,00.html Luton Town F.C. 10 March 2012 2 May 2012April 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes Luton 1–1 York http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10372~61519,00.html Luton Town F.C. 17 March 2012 2 May 2012April 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes This seven-game winless streak, in which the club scored only four goals – including two from new signing Andre Gray who joined on loan from Hickley United on 22 March – resulted in Gary Brabin losing his job on 31 March, with assistant Alan Neilson put in temporary charge while the club began the search for a new manager.Luton Town dismiss manager Gary Brabin https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17578109 BBC Sport 31 March 2012 2 May 2012 Andre Gray joins Luton Town from Hinckley United https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17475061 BBC Sport 22 March 2012 2 May 2012 This search was aided by new Technical Director and former Luton player and manager Lil Fuccillo.Fuccillo back at Kenilworth Road http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2690400,00.html Luton Town F.C. 27 March 2012 2 May 2012 September 2016 InternetArchiveBot yes New appointment possible this week http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2711067,00.html Luton Town F.C. 2 April 2012 2 May 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120404154155/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2711067,00.html 4 April 2012 dead dmy-all April Paul Buckle, previously manager at Bristol Rovers and Torquay United, was announced as Luton's new manager on 6 April, although he would officially begin the job on 8 April. Paul Buckle is named as new Luton Town manager https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17638073 BBC Sport 6 April 2012 2 May 2012 Buckle was present in the crowd as Luton turned seven games without a win into eight, this time in a 3–1 loss to Braintree Town, on 7 April. Braintree 3–1 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17570828 BBC Sport 6 April 2012 2 May 2012 This left the club relying on teams above them to drop points, as well as going on an unbeaten run themselves, if they were to make the play-offs. The first game of Buckle's tenure on 9 April ended the team's poor run of form, as Luton notched up a comfortable 4–2 win over Hayes & Yeading United. Stuart Fleetwood scored twice, having been placed into his preferred role as a striker, rather than a winger as he often had under Gary Brabin's management. Andre Gray scored his fourth goal in his first four games, setting a Luton Town record in the process. Luton 4–2 Hayes https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17581302 BBC Sport 9 April 2012 2 May 2012 A 0–0 draw with Alfreton Town on 14 April was followed by a 3–0 victory over Ebbsfleet United three days later, Fleetwood scoring twice again, and Craig McAllister scoring his first goal of the season. Alfreton 0–0 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17643088 BBC Sport 14 April 2012 2 May 2012 Luton 3–0 Ebbsfleet https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17661462 BBC Sport 17 April 2012 2 May 2012 A vital game against fellow play-off candidates Kidderminster Harriers on 21 April went in Luton's favour, as a second-half Robbie Willmott goal secured a 1–0 win in front of Kenilworth Road's then-biggest crowd of the season. The result left Luton needing two points from their last two games to ensure a play-off place. Luton 1–0 Kidderminster https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17711589 BBC Sport 21 April 2012 2 May 2012 This task went down to the final game of the league season after Luton could only manage a 0–0 draw with Gateshead in their game-in-hand on 24 April. Gateshead 0–0 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17737852 BBC Sport 24 April 2012 2 May 2012 A win or draw away to free-scoring champions Fleetwood Town would be enough to secure fifth place for the team, while a loss coupled with a Kidderminster win in their own game would see the Harriers take fifth instead. An early own goal and an Andre Gray strike were enough to see Luton win 2–0 at Fleetwood, their fifth clean sheet in a row, meaning they would face second-placed Wrexham in the play-off semi-final. Fleetwood 0–2 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17795915 BBC Sport 28 April 2012 2 May 2012 On 30 April, it was announced that defender Ed Asafu-Adjaye and midfielders Charlie Henry and Christian Tavernier would not be offered new contracts, releasing them from the club.Town release trio http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2754762,00.html Luton Town F.C. 30 April 2012 2 May 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120502121729/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~2754762%2C00.html 2 May 2012 dmy May The first leg of the semi-final with Wrexham on 3 May resulted in a 2–0 win to Luton, strikers Andre Gray and Stuart Fleetwood scoring a goal each in the first half. Luton 2–0 Wrexham https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17881846 BBC Sport 3 May 2012 4 May 2012 Four days later, Luton lost the return leg 2–1; their first defeat under manager Paul Buckle's eight games in charge. Captain George Pilkington's penalty in the first half ensured Luton won the tie 3–2 on aggregate to set up a final with York City at Wembley Stadium on 20 May. Wrexham 2–1 Luton https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17890877 BBC Sport 7 May 2012 7 May 2012 Despite Andre Gray scoring after only 71 seconds in the final, the club lost 2–1 to York in a closely contested match with over 30,000 Luton fans in attendance. York's winning goal was scored from an offside position, not seen by the assistant referee, and Luton could not find a way past York's defence to get back into the game. Luton 1–2 York (POF) https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18049175 BBC Sport 20 May 2012 22 May 2012 Andre Gray's loan from Hinckley United became permanent on 21 May, as he joined the club on a two-year contract for a fee of £30,000. Gray deal becomes permanent http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2780972,00.html Luton Town F.C. 21 May 2012 22 May 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120524061030/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~2780972%2C00.html 24 May 2012 dead dmy-all Young midfielder JJ O'Donnell also signed a three-year contract extension after impressing Paul Buckle in training. Plaudits for JJ after inking new contract http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Plaudits-for-JJ-after-inking-new-contract-12052012.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 15 May 2012 22 May 2012 On 28 May, defender Curtis Osano joined League Two side AFC Wimbledon on a free transfer. Osano signs for Dons http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Osano-signs-for-Dons-28052012.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 28 May 2012 28 May 2012 Defenders Shane Blackett and Dan Gleeson, along with striker Danny Crow, were not offered new contracts and were released from the club on 30 May. All three players had suffered with injuries during the season, with Blackett and Gleeson restricted to only twelve appearances each.Trio to depart http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2792355,00.html Luton Town F.C. 30 May 2012 30 May 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120602072447/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~2792355%2C00.html 2 June 2012 June On 7 June, the club announced that Keith Keane, who had made his Luton debut in 2003 and played in 284 games across four different leagues, was to join League One side Preston North End on a free transfer once his contract ended on 1 July. Preston North End sign Luton Town's Keith Keane https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18356960 BBC Sport 7 June 2012 8 June 2012 Defender Alex Lacey, who had spent the vast majority of the season out on loan at three different clubs, signed a two-year contract extension on 14 June. New deal for Lacey http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2811552,00.html Luton Town F.C. 14 June 2012 14 June 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120618044023/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~2811552%2C00.html 18 June 2012 dead dmy-all The next day, the club released a statement confirming that midfielders Robbie Willmott and Godfrey Poku had rejected new contracts. As Poku was under 24 years of age, the club were entitled to money from a tribunal in the event he moved to another club. Duo reject new deals http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2812653,00.html Luton Town F.C. 15 June 2012 18 June 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120618010136/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2812653,00.html 18 June 2012 dead dmy-all Luton made their first incoming transfers of the summer over the next two days, firstly securing former Stevenage captain and right-back Ronnie Henry on a free transfer on 16 June, followed a day later by Gillingham midfielder Danny Spiller, also for free. Hatters sign Henry http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Hatters-sign-Henry-16062012.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 16 June 2012 18 June 2012Luton sign Spiller http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Luton-sign-Spiller-17062012.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 17 June 2012 18 June 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120621234740/http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Luton-sign-Spiller-17062012.htm 21 June 2012 Captain George Pilkington signed for Mansfield Town on 19 June alongside Godfrey Poku. Both transfers, which were free as both players had reached the end of their contract, would become permanent on 1 July. Mansfield bring in George Pilkington and Godfrey Poku https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18512232 BBC Sport 19 June 2012 21 June 2012 Later the same day, the club confirmed that striker Amari Morgan-Smith, who despite scoring ten goals had been injured for a large part of the season, would not be offered a new contract. Morgan-Smith not offered new deal http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2816702,00.html Luton Town F.C. 19 June 2012 21 June 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120621040812/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2816702,00.html 21 June 2012 dead dmy-all After these three departures, two further players were signed in the form of strikers Scott Rendell and Jon Shaw. Luton Town land Jon Shaw and Scott Rendell https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18532742 BBC Sport 21 June 2012 21 June 2012 Rendell, penning a two-year contract, joined on an undisclosed fee from Wycombe Wanderers, while Shaw also signed a two-year contract following his rejection of an offer from Gateshead, where he had scored 35 goals during the season. The club made their fifth signing on 25 June with the acquisition of Gillingham centre-back Garry Richards, the deal officially going through on 1 July. Luton Town to sign defender Garry Richards https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18586998 BBC Sport 25 June 2012 28 June 2012 Jake Howells, now Luton's current longest-serving player following Keith Keane's departure, signed a three-year contract extension on 27 June. Howells pens new Luton deal http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Howells-pens-new-Luton-deal-27062012.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 27 June 2012 28 June 2012 Goalkeeper Lewis Kidd signed a one-year contract on 29 June, while it was announced the same day that striker Dan Walker had rejected two contract offers from Luton and so would be placed on the transfer list. Kidd pens new Luton deal http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Kidd-pens-new-Luton-deal-29062012.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 29 June 2012 29 June 2012 Walker snubs Hatters deal http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Walker-snubs-Hatters-deal-29062012.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 29 June 2012 29 June 2012 Match results Luton Town results given first. Legend WinDrawLoss Pre-season friendlies +DateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceScorersNotes13 July 2011Ampthill TownAway 2–2 Unknown Philippe-Yamfam, Chisom Luton XI Youngsters fight back to draw http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2392195,00.html Luton Town F.C. 13 July 2011 14 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111005010424/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2392195,00.html 5 October 2011 dead dmy-all15 July 2011Hitchin TownAway 4–2 835 Morgan-Smith (pen), Broughton, Barnes-Homer 17 July 2011The New SaintsAway 0–3 Unknown – 19 July 2011Airbus UK BroughtonAway 2–1 Unknown Willmott, Crow 21 July 2011Colwyn BayAway 1–0 Unknown Barnes-Homer 23 July 2011Bedford TownAway 0–1 896 – 27 July 2011Gabala FCHome 2–3 1,193 O'Connor, Elder 30 July 2011Cambridge CityAway 4–0 294 Watkins, Osano, O'Connor (2) 2 August 2011ParmaHome 0–2 3,173 – 5 August 2011Queens Park RangersHome 3–1 3,710 Barnes-Homer, Morgan-Smith, Watkins 6 August 2011Corby TownAway 1–2 320 Tavernier 9 August 2011Arlesey TownAway 1–2 282 Crow Luton XIBedfordshire Premier Cup Final Conference Premier information on this season's Conference Premier 2011–12 Football Conference Conference Premier LUT Results by round table b Round Ground H/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/H/A/A/H/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/H/H/A/H/A/A/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H Result D/W/D/W/D/D/W/W/W/D/L/L/W/W/D/W/L/W/L/D/W/D/D/W/W/W/W/W/D/D/W/W/L/W/L/D/L/D/L/L/W/D/W/W/D/W Position 16/10/10/6/8/6/7/3/2/1/6/9/6/6/5/3/5/3/7/7/6/6/7/5/5/3/3/3/3/3/3/3/3/3/3/3/4/5/6/7/7/7/6/5/5/5 Home Away green2 Win yellow2 Draw red2 Loss 1st 2nd 3rd red1 28 April 2012 lutontown.co.uk May 2012 Fixtures and results +DateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceScorersNotes|16 August 2011 |Forest Green Rovers |align="center"|Home |align="center"|1–1 |align="center"|6,061 |align="center"|Beckwith |align="center"||20 August 2011 |Southport |align="center"|Home |align="center"|5–1 |align="center"|5,681 |align="center"|Watkins, Antwi, Morgan-Smith, Willmott, Crow |align="center"||23 August 2011 |Mansfield Town |align="center"|Away |align="center"|1–1 |align="center"|2,592 |align="center"|Antwi |align="center"||27 August 2011 |Braintree Town |align="center"|Home |align="center"|3–1 |align="center"|5,703 |align="center"|Morgan-Smith (2), Howells |align="center"||30 August 2011 |Hayes & Yeading United |align="center"|Away |align="center"|2–2 |align="center"|1,015 |align="center"|Morgan-Smith, Crow |align="center"||2 September 2011 |Stockport County |align="center"|Away |align="center"|1–1 |align="center"|3,389 |align="center"|Lawless |align="center"||10 September 2011 |Darlington |align="center"|Home |align="center"|2–0 |align="center"|5,952 |align="center"|Crow, Fleetwood |align="center"||13 September 2011 |AFC Telford United |align="center"|Away |align="center"|2–0 |align="center"|2,640 |align="center"|Morgan-Smith (2) |align="center"||17 September 2011 |Lincoln City |align="center"|Home |align="center"|1–0 |align="center"|6,316 |align="center"|Fleetwood |align="center"||20 September 2011 |Bath City |align="center"|Away |align="center"|1–1 |align="center"|1,158 |align="center"|Morgan-Smith |align="center"||24 September 2011 |York City |align="center"|Away |align="center"|0–3 |align="center"|3,570 |align="center"|– |align="center"||27 September 2011 |Cambridge United |align="center"|Home |align="center"|0–1 |align="center"|6,274 |align="center"|– |align="center"||1 October 2011 |Barrow |align="center"|Home |align="center"|5–1 |align="center"|5,613 |align="center"|Willmott (2), Watkins, Dance, Morgan-Smith |align="center"||8 October 2011 |Kidderminster Harriers |align="center"|Away |align="center"|2–1 |align="center"|3,332 |align="center"|Willmott (2) |align="center"||11 October 2011 |Ebbsfleet United |align="center"|Away |align="center"|2–2 |align="center"|1,651 |align="center"|Morgan-Smith, Dance |align="center"||15 October 2011 |Gateshead |align="center"|Home |align="center"|5–1 |align="center"|6,285 |align="center"|Howells (2), O'Connor, Hand (2) |align="center"||18 October 2011 |Wrexham |align="center"|Home |align="center"|0–1 |align="center"|7,270 |align="center"|– |align="center"||21 October 2011 |Grimsby Town |align="center"|Away |align="center"|1–0 |align="center"|3,239 |align="center"|Wright |align="center"||5 November 2011 |Fleetwood Town |align="center"|Home |align="center"|1–2 |align="center"|6,361 |align="center"|Kovács |align="center"||19 November 2011 |Cambridge United |align="center"|Away |align="center"|1–1 |align="center"|4,796 |align="center"|Fleetwood |align="center"||26 November 2011 |Newport County |align="center"|Away |align="center"|1–0 |align="center"|1,511 |align="center"|Crow |align="center"||29 November 2011 |AFC Telford United |align="center"|Home |align="center"|1–1 |align="center"|5,399 |align="center"|Willmott |align="center"||6 December 2011 |Lincoln City |align="center"|Away |align="center"|1–1 |align="center"|2,049 |align="center"|Crow |align="center"||17 December 2011 |Tamworth |align="center"|Away |align="center"|3–1 |align="center"|1,467 |align="center"|Crow (2), Dance |align="center"||26 December 2011 |Kettering Town |align="center"|Home |align="center"|5–0 |align="center"|7,164 |align="center"|Howells, O'Connor, Lawless, Fleetwood, Willmott |align="center"||1 January 2012 |Kettering Town |align="center"|Away |align="center"|5–0 |align="center"|3,247 |align="center"|Howells, Watkins, Kovács, Taylor, Fleetwood |align="center"||7 January 2012 |Newport County |align="center"|Home |align="center"|2–0 |align="center"|6,108 |align="center"|O'Connor, Crow |align="center"||10 January 2012 |Stockport County |align="center"|Home |align="center"|1–0 |align="center"|5,588 |align="center"|O'Connor (pen) |align="center"||21 January 2012 |Southport |align="center"|Away |align="center"|3–3 |align="center"|1,665 |align="center"|Crow, Watkins, O'Connor |align="center"||25 January 2012 |Mansfield Town |align="center"|Home |align="center"|0–0 |align="center"|5,261 |align="center"|– |align="center"||28 January 2012 |Alfreton Town |align="center"|Home |align="center"|1–0 |align="center"|5,658 |align="center"|G. Pilkington (pen) |align="center"||18 February 2012 |Tamworth |align="center"|Home |align="center"|3–0 |align="center"|5,833 |align="center"|Fleetwood, Kovács, own goal |align="center"||21 February 2012 |Barrow |align="center"|Away |align="center"|0–1 |align="center"|925 |align="center"|– |align="center"||3 March 2012 |Bath City |align="center"|Home |align="center"|2–0 |align="center"|5,745 |align="center"|Kovács, Watkins |align="center"||7 March 2012 |Wrexham |align="center"|Away |align="center"|0–2 |align="center"|4,206 |align="center"|– |align="center"||13 March 2012 |Darlington |align="center"|Away |align="center"|1–1 |align="center"|1,382 |align="center"|Fleetwood |align="center"||20 March 2012 |Forest Green Rovers |align="center"|Away |align="center"|0–3 |align="center"|975 |align="center"|– |align="center"||24 March 2012 |Grimsby Town |align="center"|Home |align="center"|1–1 |align="center"|6,419 |align="center"|Gray |align="center"||30 March 2012 |York City |align="center"|Home |align="center"|1–2 |align="center"|5,925 |align="center"|Gray |align="center"||7 April 2012 |Braintree Town |align="center"|Away |align="center"|1–3 |align="center"|1,703 |align="center"|Gray |align="center"||9 April 2012 |Hayes & Yeading United |align="center"|Home |align="center"|4–2 |align="center"|6,003 |align="center"|Fleetwood (2), Keane, Gray |align="center"||14 April 2012 |Alfreton Town |align="center"|Away |align="center"|0–0 |align="center"|1,654 |align="center"|– |align="center"||17 April 2012 |Ebbsfleet United |align="center"|Home |align="center"|3–0 |align="center"|5,526 |align="center"|Fleetwood (2), McAllister |align="center"||21 April 2012 |Kidderminster Harriers |align="center"|Home |align="center"|1–0 |align="center"|8,415 |align="center"|Willmott |align="center"||24 April 2012 |Gateshead Town |align="center"|Away |align="center"|0–0 |align="center"|703 |align="center"|– |align="center"||28 April 2012 |Fleetwood Town |align="center"|Away |align="center"|2–0 |align="center"|4,446 |align="center"|own goal, Gray |align="center"| Conference Premier play-offs +RoundDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceScorersNotes|Semi-final first leg |3 May 2012 |Wrexham |align="center"|Home |align="center"|2–0 |align="center"|9,012 |align="center"|Gray, Fleetwood |align="center"||Semi-final second leg |7 May 2012 |Wrexham |align="center"|Away |align="center"|1–2 |align="center"|9,087 |align="center"|Pilkington (pen) |align="center"|Luton win 3–2 on aggregate|Final |20 May 2012 |York City |align="center"|Neutral |align="center"|1–2 |align="center"|39,265 |align="center"|Gray |align="center"| FA Cup information on this season's FA Cup 2011–12 FA Cup +RoundDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceScorersNotes|Fourth qualifying round |29 October 2011 |Hendon |align="center"|Home |align="center"|5–1 |align="center"|2,329 |align="center"|O'Connor (2), Dance, Wright, Fleetwood |align="center"||First round |12 November 2011 |Northampton Town |align="center"|Home |align="center"|1–0 |align="center"|4,799 |align="center"|Watkins |align="center"||Second round |3 December 2011 |Cheltenham Town |align="center"|Home |align="center"|2–4 |align="center"|4,516 |align="center"|O'Connor (2) |align="center"| FA Trophy information on this season's FA Trophy 2011–12 FA Trophy +RoundDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceScorersNotes|First round |10 December 2011 |Swindon Supermarine |align="center"|Home |align="center"|2–0 |align="center"|1,298 |align="center"|Fleetwood, Wright |align="center"||Second round |18 January 2012 |Hinckley United |align="center"|Away |align="center"|0–0 |align="center"|754 |align="center"|– |align="center"||Second round replay |23 January 2012 |Hinckley United |align="center"|Home |align="center"|3–0 |align="center"|1,004 |align="center"|own goal, Morgan-Smith, Fleetwood |align="center"||Third round |7 February 2012 |Kidderminster Harriers |align="center"|Away |align="center"|2–1 |align="center"|1,186 |align="center"|Howells, Fleetwood |align="center"||Quarter-final |25 February 2012 |Gateshead |align="center"|Home |align="center"|2–0 |align="center"|2,499 |align="center"|Kissock, Keane |align="center"||Semi-final first leg |10 March 2012 |York City |align="center"|Away |align="center"|0–1 |align="center"|3,365 |align="center"|– |align="center"||Semi-final second leg |17 March 2012 |York City |align="center"|Home |align="center"|1–1 |align="center"|5,796 |align="center"|Willmott |align="center"| Player statistics Correct as of 22 May 2012. Players with a zero in every column appeared as unused substitutes or were assigned squad numbers. No.Pos.NameLeagueFA CupFA TrophyTotalDisciplineAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals13px13px1GKENG Mark Tyler3700070440102DFENG Dan Gleeson8 (2)0101010 (2)0203DFIRL Fred Murray00000000003DFENG Greg Taylor15 (3)1005020 (3)1204MFIRL Keith Keane3612041422815DFENG Dean Beckwith811020111216DFENG George Pilkington3622030412207MFWAL Alex Lawless41220404721118FWENG Amari Morgan-Smith15 (4)9101117 (4)10709FWENG Matthew Barnes-Homer10000010009FWSCO Craig McAllister4 (13)100004 (13)10010FWENG Danny Crow23 (6)91 (2)03027 (7)93011MFENG Robbie Willmott32 (10)81 (1)05138 (11)94012DFENG Shane Blackett5 (4)0002 (1)07 (5)00013FWWAL Stuart Fleetwood25 (15)12115 (1)331 (16)164014FWENG Aaron O'Connor21 (14)5340 (1)024 (14)92015MFWAL Jake Howells45530415262116DFENG Ed Asafu-Adjaye7 (2)0004011 (2)02117DFGHA Will Antwi12210001320017MFTRI Andre Boucaud4 (3)000004 (3)01018DFKEN Curtis Osano310205 (1)038 (1)04019MFENG James Dance21 (5)3111023 (5)43020MFENG John Paul Kissock7 (16)02 (1)05114 (17)10121MFENG Charlie Henry0 (2)00 (1)02 (1)02 (4)01022MFENG Paul Carden100000100023FWENG Ryan Brunt0 (5)000101 (5)00023FWTRI Collin Samuel0 (1)000000 (1)00024DFENG Alex Lacey000030300025MFENG Godfrey Poku5 (5)000005 (5)03026MFENG JJ O'Donnell00002 (2)02 (2)00027FWENG Andre Gray12700001273027MFENG Jamie Hand11 (2)2200013 (2)25128MFENG Adam Watkins23 (14)51 (1)12 (2)026 (17)66029FWENG Dan Walker0 (1)000000 (1)00030GKENG Kevin Pilkington12030001500031GKENG Lewis Kidd000000000032DFENG Ash Deeney000000000033FWENG Ryan Dasilva000000000034DFHUN János Kovács40420204446136MFENG Christian Tavernier000 (1)0000 (1)00037FWENG Alasan Ann000010100039FWENG Tommy Wright1 (3)1110 (1)12 (4)30040MFENG Colby McAdams00002 (1)02 (1)00041MFENG Charlie Smith00000 (1)00 (1)00042DFENG Brett Longden00000 (1)00 (1)00043MFENG Jerry Nash00001 (1)01 (1)00044FWENG Jake Woolley0 (1)0000 (4)00 (5)00045FWZIM Leeroy Maguraushe0000000000 *The league column also includes play-off matches. Managerial statistics Only competitive games from the 2011–12 season are included. Correct as of 22 May 2012. NameNat.FromToRecordHonoursPLDWDLGFGAGDW%Gary BrabinENG28 March 201131 March 2012 49 24 15 10 85 45 yes 1–Alan Neilson (caretaker manager) WAL31 March 20128 April 2012 1 0 0 1 1 3 yes 1–Paul BuckleENG8 April 2012Present 9 5 2 2 14 6 yes 1Play-off finalistsTotal 59 29 17 13 100 54 yes 1Play-off finalists Awards Awarded on 22 April 2012.Kovacs named Player of the Year http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2744863,00.html Luton Town F.C. 22 April 2012 2 May 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120425205555/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~2744863%2C00.html 25 April 2012 AwardNameNo.Pos.NotesLuton Town Supporters Club Player of the YearHUN János Kovács34DFPlayers' Player of the YearENG Mark Tyler1GKYoung Player of the YearENG Adam Watkins28MFLuton Town F.C. Website Player of the YearHUN János Kovács34DFLTSC Junior Members' Player of the YearENG Robbie Willmott11MFYouth Development Player of the YearENG Jake Woolley44FWIan Pearce Memorial TrophyIRL Keith Keane 4MFtrophydef CGoal of the SeasonIRL Keith Keane 4MFkeanegoal D Transfers In DatePlayerFromFeeNotes 18 July 2011 England James Dance Crawley Town Undisclosed 29 July 2011 Ghana Will Antwi Unattached 29 July 2011 Kenya Curtis Osano Unattached 26 August 2011 England John Paul Kissock Southport Undisclosed 27 August 2011 England Paul Carden Unattached 31 August 2011 Wales Stuart Fleetwood Hereford United Undisclosed 31 August 2011 Trinidad and Tobago Collin Samuel Unattached 18 October 2011 England Tommy Wright Unattached 2 January 2012 Hungary János Kovács Hereford United Free 3 January 2012 England Greg Taylor Darlington Free 31 January 2012 Trinidad and Tobago Andre Boucaud York City £25,000 21 May 2012 England Andre Gray Hinckley United £30,000 16 June 2012 England Ronnie Henry Stevenage Free 17 June 2012 England Danny Spiller Gillingham Free 20 June 2012 England Scott Rendell Wycombe Wanderers Undisclosed 21 June 2012 England Jon Shaw Gateshead Free Out DatePlayerToFeeNotes 1 July 2011 France Claude Gnakpa Walsall Free 20 September 2011 England Michael Cain Leicester City UndisclosedCain A 8 November 2011 Trinidad and Tobago Collin Samuel Released 30 November 2011 England Ryan Dasilva Released 30 November 2011 England Ashley Deeney Released 1 January 2012 England Matthew Barnes-Homer Released 2 January 2012 Ghana Will Antwi Released 18 January 2012 England Tommy Wright Released 20 February 2012 England Kevin Pilkington Released 2 March 2012 England Tarum Dawkins Arsenal Undisclosed 30 April 2012 England Ed Asafu-Adjaye Released 30 April 2012 England Charlie Henry Released 30 April 2012 England Christian Tavernier Released 28 May 2012 Kenya Curtis Osano AFC Wimbledon Free 30 May 2012 England Shane Blackett Released 30 May 2012 England Danny Crow Released 30 May 2012 England Dan Gleeson Released 19 June 2012 England Amari Morgan-Smith Released Loans in DatePlayerFromEnd dateNotes 9 September 2011 England Jamie Hand Hayes & Yeading United 14 December 2011 19 September 2011 Hungary János Kovács Hereford United 22 October 2011 4 November 2011 Hungary János Kovács Hereford United 2 January 2012 10 November 2011 England Greg Taylor Darlington 3 January 2012 16 November 2011 England Ryan Brunt Stoke City 1 January 2012 Brunt B 18 January 2012 Scotland Craig McAllister Newport County 21 May 2012 22 March 2012 England Andre Gray Hinckley United 21 May 2012 Loans out DatePlayerToEnd dateNotes 12 August 2011 England Alex Lacey Cambridge City 12 October 2011 12 August 2011 England JJ O'Donnell Cambridge City 12 October 2011 25 August 2011 England Matthew Barnes-Homer Rochdale 1 January 2012 26 August 2011 England Godfrey Poku Southport 7 January 2012 26 August 2011 England Dan Walker Southport 7 January 2012 30 September 2011 England Ashley Deeney St Neots Town 30 November 2011 14 October 2011 England JJ O'Donnell Hampton & Richmond Borough 15 November 2011 Hampton Take Hatters Midfielder on Loan http://www.footballconference.co.uk/news/details.php?news_id=5668 Football Conference 14 October 2011 16 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111016081945/http://www.footballconference.co.uk/news/details.php?news_id=5668 16 October 2011 dead dmy-all 4 November 2011 England Alex Lacey Thurrock 4 December 2011 Lacey's loan switch http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2505000,00.html Luton Town F.C. 4 November 2011 4 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111105120732/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2505000,00.html 5 November 2011 dead dmy-all 24 November 2011 Ghana Will Antwi Grimsby Town 2 January 2012 24 November 2011 England Charlie Henry Aldershot Town 22 January 2012 14 December 2011 England JJ O'Donnell Hampton & Richmond Borough 11 January 2012 JJ rejoins Beavers http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2547575,00.html Luton Town F.C. 14 December 2011 24 January 2012April 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes 21 December 2011 England Lewis Kidd Swindon Supermarine 17 January 2012 Lewis loaned to Supermarine http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/Luton-Town-FC/Lewis-loaned-to-Supermarine-21122011.htm Bedfordshire on Sunday LSN Media Ltd 21 December 2011 24 January 2012 18 February 2012 England Alex Lacey Eastbourne Borough 19 April 2012 Lacey joins the Sports on loan http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2614933,00.html Luton Town F.C. 17 February 2012 18 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120220034706/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2614933,00.html 20 February 2012 dead dmy-all 16 March 2012 England JJ O'Donnell Thurrock 19 April 2012 All change again http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2662098,00.html Luton Town F.C. 16 March 2012 2 May 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120322145442/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2662098,00.html 22 March 2012 dead dmy-all Footnotes A. Cain Although officially undisclosed, Luton Town have confirmed that the transfer of Cain to Leicester City was for a "significant five-figure fee" with add-ons depending on his and Leicester's performance. B. Brunt Ryan Brunt was signed from Stoke City on work experience terms; essentially a loan in all but name. C. trophydef The Ian Pearce Memorial Trophy, named in honour of BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and Luton Town fan Ian Pearce who died in March 2011, is presented to the player with the most man-of-the-match awards over the season. D. keanegoal The Goal of the Season award was given to Keith Keane for his 30-yard free-kick against Gateshead in the FA Trophy on 25 February 2012. See also 2011–12 in English football 2011–12 Football Conference References General Luton Town F.C. Official Website Specific 2011–12 Category:2011–12 Football Conference by team