A tough decision to arrive at – Rob Edwards leaves Luton Town by mutual consent

Rob Edwards has agreed to step down from his role as Luton Town manager after two years in charge of the Hatters.

Edwards guided Luton into the Premier League for the first time after play-off success at Wembley in 2023, but the club missed out on survival and have struggled on their return to the Championship.

The club’s 2-1 loss at QPR on Monday made it four defeats in a row and only two wins from their last 10 matches, leaving them 20th in the table.

Talks occurred after the result in west London and Edwards has stepped down by mutual consent.

Ex-Luton manager and current chief recruitment officer Mick Harford will step up to help coaches Paul Trollope and Richie Kyle take the team for Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Premier League high-flyers Nottingham Forest.

Tough Decision

“As with all decisions to part company with a manager, this has been a tough decision to arrive at, together with Rob, who has conducted himself with great professionalism and dignity throughout his two years at the club, and again this week as we have genuinely come to a mutual conclusion,” Luton chief executive Gary Sweet told the club’s official website.

“Rob has given us some of our greatest days to celebrate as Hatters.

“Those two barnstorming derby victories at Kenilworth Road, the play-off final at Wembley and our season in the Premier League will live with us forever and in doing so Rob has earned himself a legendary status.

“Results this season, especially away from home, have clearly not been acceptable and while we have supported Rob and his team in every possible way, we all felt that action was required to rectify this with 20 league matches still to play.

“It is typical of Rob’s humility that he also recognised this himself and leaves not just as a former manager, but as a trusted friend who has left his mark on every player and member of staff.

“Rob and his family will always be welcome visitors to Kenilworth Road.

“The door is always open.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to give him our heartfelt thanks for two years of tireless work and so many memories, wishing him every success for his future career.”

Edwards’ Time in Charge

Edwards, who guided Forest Green to promotion from League Two in 2022 before a brief stint at Watford, won 33 of his 103 matches in charge of Luton.

The 42-year-old also impressively helped the club through a difficult and emotional time following Tom Lockyer’s cardiac arrest at Bournemouth in December 2023, which occurred months after he collapsed at Wembley.

“On that day at the national stadium and then again four months into the Premier League campaign, at Bournemouth, Rob led with compassion and dignity in the wake of the two episodes which saw his captain, Tom Lockyer, collapse on a pitch with heart issues,” a club statement read.

“We could have not wished for a better man to understand what it takes to be manager of Luton Town.”

Edwards’ Reflection

Edwards reflected positively on his time in charge at Kenilworth Road in a statement released on the club’s website.

“I’m really proud of what we achieved.

“Not only winning a play-off game which the club had struggled to do, but winning the final and gaining promotion to the Premier League at Wembley was the most amazing experience,” he said.

“It wasn’t always easy, we lived through the most difficult times.

“What happened at Bournemouth last December will always remain with me.

“How the medical team reacted along with the paramedics to save Tom was remarkable.

“Truly heroic and once again I want to thank them.

“The most important thing is that Tom Lockyer is with us and has a great chance to play again.

“I love you mate!”