The Luton thread

[oakroader]

Oakroader, my old son how are you doing, hopefully a lot better than your team but early days and sure you'll soon be climbing up the table. Well mate Fleetwood have got one of your guys on loan for a season, Mendes Gomes, only saw him for around 30 minutes on Tuesday before he went off with a tight hamstring. Got to say he looked a real handful, what's your take on him ? All the best for the season

Greetings my friend…
Glad to see you’re still about and contributing…
Which is more than I can say about Luton atm…
M.G. has not really had a look in with us last season…came to us with potential but has never had a run of games
Apart from the last 3 or 4 Games of what was an amazing last season,I wouldn’t have changed much either
He’ll be good and productive for fleetwood if he remains injury free of course…
Keep well you old sailor chaser…

 

[Kenneth E End]

A sign of the way we’ve been overdoing our players. Need a new S&C team.

 

[oakroader]

Luton CEO confirms Town are 'pressing forward' with Power Court plans despite being in the 'worst decade' to build a new ground​

Hatters hopeful of detailed application being made public in the Autumn​

Luton chief executive Gary Sweet has confirmed that the club are still ‘absolutely pressing forward’ with plans for their new ground at Power Court, despite trying to build a stadium in what is the ‘worst decade’ in which to do so.
It was back in January 2019 that the Hatters initially received planning permission for the 17,500 all-seater stadium, but have since seen attempts to relocate delayed significantly by the coronavirus pandemic.


That led to a major rethink of their application, with revised proposals from 2020 Developments, the property arm of the club, unanimously approved by the Luton Borough Council development management committee almost 12 months ago.
It also meant the Hatters needed to submit a new detailed planning application, as back in February, Sweet had stated they would be revealed to the public during the first half of 2022.
With that date passing and no plans forthcoming, then giving an update in his programme notes ahead of last night’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield United, the CEO revealed just how tough a process Power Court has become, saying: “It hasn’t gone unnoticed that many supporters are waiting anxiously on news of Power Court’s progress and, as these are my first notes of the season, I can bring you up to speed
“Most importantly, I can confirm we are absolutely pressing forward with our new stadium as quickly as we possibly can.
“In these times, with the widespread challenges we have and continue to face, it is never going to be a quick and easy project to manage.

“Arguably, if a paid economic or political specialist could possibly pick the worst decade to carry out the task of planning and building a new stadium and regenerating a town centre, without the need of a contribution from the public purse, it would certainly be the ten-year period from our outline submission.


“The wide-ranging, unprecedented obstacles we have in front of us - escalating materials costs, supply chain delays, labour shortages, interest rate rises, energy shortages - have certainly tested our resolve and most would have given up by now.


“But as long as we can avoid any further unforeseen major catastrophes, we will be submitting a detailed planning permission this Autumn.
“Admittedly, this is later that we wanted and later than I’ve previously indicated.


“There have been issues completely outside of our control that have mainly led to this delay.
“Additionally, we have needed to complete another re-design of the stadium and infrastructure, which has taken time, to save some cost, navigate our way around wildly erratic material pricing, carbon reduction compliance and the phasing of the build.”


Sweet did also go on to state that there will be some movement on site in the near future too, as he added: “The first major step towards seeing proper activity on Power Court is the moving of the sub-station, and I can confirm that after a prolonged period of negotiation and design we have just handed UKPN with a multi-million-pound binding commitment to start that process to their earliest schedule.
“To assist with this, ground works in certain areas will commence when our detailed application is being considered, and we have just started to engage formally with potential contractors.


“Once again, I am making a plea for patience and understanding given that that the programme of works will be a long one, which also has to deal with the River Lea opening and huge ground levelling schedule.
“All of this will naturally require the support from the Council, our neighbours and those important statutory consultees, which, of course, we are currently progressing.


“Meanwhile, I’ll continue to provide updates as we progress.”

 

[SF_]

Another 0-0, it's mental.

No positives today though, we were abysmal in possession and did nothing in the final third.

Defensively, I never felt like we would concede but that's probably more on Cardiff than us.

Changes needed in the next game, Riis needs to play every minute of every fucking game, give Woodburn & McCann starts too.

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

Luton CEO confirms Town are 'pressing forward' with Power Court plans despite being in the 'worst decade' to build a new ground​

Hatters hopeful of detailed application being made public in the Autumn​

Luton chief executive Gary Sweet has confirmed that the club are still ‘absolutely pressing forward’ with plans for their new ground at Power Court, despite trying to build a stadium in what is the ‘worst decade’ in which to do so.
It was back in January 2019 that the Hatters initially received planning permission for the 17,500 all-seater stadium, but have since seen attempts to relocate delayed significantly by the coronavirus pandemic.


That led to a major rethink of their application, with revised proposals from 2020 Developments, the property arm of the club, unanimously approved by the Luton Borough Council development management committee almost 12 months ago.
It also meant the Hatters needed to submit a new detailed planning application, as back in February, Sweet had stated they would be revealed to the public during the first half of 2022.
With that date passing and no plans forthcoming, then giving an update in his programme notes ahead of last night’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield United, the CEO revealed just how tough a process Power Court has become, saying: “It hasn’t gone unnoticed that many supporters are waiting anxiously on news of Power Court’s progress and, as these are my first notes of the season, I can bring you up to speed
“Most importantly, I can confirm we are absolutely pressing forward with our new stadium as quickly as we possibly can.
“In these times, with the widespread challenges we have and continue to face, it is never going to be a quick and easy project to manage.

“Arguably, if a paid economic or political specialist could possibly pick the worst decade to carry out the task of planning and building a new stadium and regenerating a town centre, without the need of a contribution from the public purse, it would certainly be the ten-year period from our outline submission.


“The wide-ranging, unprecedented obstacles we have in front of us - escalating materials costs, supply chain delays, labour shortages, interest rate rises, energy shortages - have certainly tested our resolve and most would have given up by now.


“But as long as we can avoid any further unforeseen major catastrophes, we will be submitting a detailed planning permission this Autumn.
“Admittedly, this is later that we wanted and later than I’ve previously indicated.


“There have been issues completely outside of our control that have mainly led to this delay.
“Additionally, we have needed to complete another re-design of the stadium and infrastructure, which has taken time, to save some cost, navigate our way around wildly erratic material pricing, carbon reduction compliance and the phasing of the build.”


Sweet did also go on to state that there will be some movement on site in the near future too, as he added: “The first major step towards seeing proper activity on Power Court is the moving of the sub-station, and I can confirm that after a prolonged period of negotiation and design we have just handed UKPN with a multi-million-pound binding commitment to start that process to their earliest schedule.
“To assist with this, ground works in certain areas will commence when our detailed application is being considered, and we have just started to engage formally with potential contractors.


“Once again, I am making a plea for patience and understanding given that that the programme of works will be a long one, which also has to deal with the River Lea opening and huge ground levelling schedule.
“All of this will naturally require the support from the Council, our neighbours and those important statutory consultees, which, of course, we are currently progressing.


“Meanwhile, I’ll continue to provide updates as we progress.”

2020 not to blame at all I don’t think but does feel like since this got approved it’s only got further and further away from happening by the day.

The macro economic situation since this got approved has just gone totally down the toilet and this winter is only going to get quite significantly worse it looks. Not exactly the time you want to be doing an ambitious project like this. Can see the revised plans being quite a bit scaled back from what was envisaged at the very least

 

[Kenneth E End]

2020 not to blame at all I don’t think but does feel like since this got approved it’s only got further and further away from happening by the day.

The macro economic situation since this got approved has just gone totally down the toilet and this winter is only going to get quite significantly worse it looks. Not exactly the time you want to be doing an ambitious project like this. Can see the revised plans being quite a bit scaled back from what was envisaged at the very least

To be honest, I’d rather wait a bit longer until the economic environment allows than massively scale it back even further.

 

[BelizeHatter]

But we have to balance it with being a Championship side. If things change - we all know they can in the blink of an eye - and suddenly that was in jeopardy all the good work and stacks of cash goes down the toilet.

We need Power Court to be a sustainable Championship side. Three big sides could easily come up from L1 next season and even if PC started now its what? four Seasons away? Its scary. We are seriously punching above our weight and treading water despite right now being better than competitive. Fine margins.

 

[codaplenty]

Hey there Oaky, we've got another one of your lads on a season long loan, Sir Admiral Muske. Got to say if he's in the same class Carlos Gomez we'll be well pleased.Dropping down a league could suit him eh ? and see him score a few goals. Your lads slowly picking up ?
Best Cod

 

[BelizeHatter]

Hey Cod. Not Oaky but another from the non league battle days. You got a good un there, i think hes better than CMG by quite a bit. Hes there to play and develop with game time and come back ready to play here as was already on the fringe.

 

[oakroader]

Newlands Park: Plans for land sold to fund Luton Town stadium approved 10 hours ago

The Newlands Park development was described as a "landmark gateway" by developers Wrenbridge
Plans for land near the M1, that was sold by a football club to help pay for a new stadium, have been approved.
The Newlands Park site in Luton, near junction 10, was sold by Luton Town to developer Wrenbridge last year so it could build a ground at Power Court.
Luton Borough Council's development management committee heard the plans could create about 2,500 jobs.
Retail proposals in the club's original plans were scrapped due to concerns over town centre footfall.
The Newlands Park site was bought by Luton Town in 2015.
The Hatters' property arm, 2020 Developments, wanted to use it to help secure funds for a 23,000-seater stadium at Power Court in the town centre.
A deal to sell the 37-acre site was agreed last December and an investment fund advised by Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing (MSREI) and developer Wrenbridge took over the land.

IMAGE SOURCE, 2020 DEVELOPMENTS
Image caption,
Luton Town sold the Newlands Park land to fund a 23,000-seater stadium on the site of a former power station
In September 2019, planning permission for a hotel, retail, leisure and food and drink facilities were granted at the site.
In January, revised plans for office, retail and business space, plus a park and ride facility, were approved by Luton Borough Council.
But Wrenbridge announced in June it was drawing up plans for a new four-building business development, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
The plans cover two parcels of land in the north and south of the site with about 550 parking spaces, landscaping and access.
Liberal Democrat councillor David Franks told the meeting he was "uneasy" with the projection of 2,500 jobs.
"It depends on the nature of the business of occupier," he said.
The committee's chair, Labour's David Taylor, agreed and said it was "most probably easier to count the number of robots employed".
But the committee unanimously approved the plans.
Luton Town has had planning permission for its new ground at Power Court, which will replace its Kenilworth Road stadium, since 2019.
A detailed planning application has yet to be submitted.

 

[oakroader]

Good to see the MUSSON flag at Qatar…

 

[oakroader]

 

[YEO YEO YEO]

Is Mick Harford still involved in the Luton setup? I've just walked past him in Lincoln and 2nd time i've seen him here in a couple of months.

 

[Super_horns]

Is Mick Harford still involved in the Luton setup? I've just walked past him in Lincoln and 2nd time i've seen him here in a couple of months.

Think so but he has been unwell .

 

[oakroader]

He’s an ex Lincoln player so must have some ties still up there I reckon…

 

[YEO YEO YEO]

He’s an ex Lincoln player so must have some ties still up there I reckon…

Oh absoutely he does, just seen him a couple of times on Sundays. He's been with partner (?) both times. Luton to Lincoln not just round the corner. Didn't know if he was still involved at Luton

 

[BarrieOwl]

Oh absoutely he does, just seen him a couple of times on Sundays. He's been with partner (?) both times. Luton to Lincoln not just round the corner. Didn't know if he was still involved at Luton

Tough choice, spend the weekend in Lincoln or slum it in Luton

 

[BelizeHatter]

His title is head of recriutment. Lincoln were at home yesterday. We love a well scouted bargain buy..........

 

[BelizeHatter]

His title is head of recriutment. Lincoln were at home yesterday. We love a well scouted bargain buy.

Tough choice, spend the weekend in Lincoln or slum it in Luton

Looking like you can enjoy a trip to your fav hotspot, lovely Luton, next season ;-)

Let that slip yesterday tho?

 

[BarrieOwl]

His title is head of recriutment. Lincoln were at home yesterday. We love a well scouted bargain buy.

Looking like you can enjoy a trip to your fav hotspot, lovely Luton, next season ;-)

Let that slip yesterday tho?

Rather shit in my hands and clap than ever return to Luton.

Yeah we did but 6 points difference to 3rd will do

 

[BelizeHatter]

You must have had a very traumatic experience there once upon a time. Luton's a lasting thing for you. You should let it go, however dark. Not healthy Sir.

 

[Caitlyn]

Is Mick Harford still involved in the Luton setup? I've just walked past him in Lincoln and 2nd time i've seen him here in a couple of months.

He is head of recruitment but doesn't get involved (much) with the first team organisation.

 

[Caitlyn]

Rather shit in my hands and clap than ever return to Luton.

Yeah we did but 6 points difference to 3rd will do

Were you troubled much as a child?

 

[Caitlyn]

His title is head of recriutment. Lincoln were at home yesterday. We love a well scouted bargain buy..........

Considering our budget a bargain is on the cards.

 

[BarrieOwl]

Were you troubled much as a child?

No I'm not Australian.

 

[Caitlyn]

No I'm not Australian.

You funny little man, but you are a northerner here?

PS. I think you are referring to those Queensland folk, they're proper weird.

And yes, Luton is a proper shit hole and thank the Lord I only have to visit there but will be better for everyone when we move to Power court.

 

[BarrieOwl]

You funny little man, but you are a northerner here?

PS. I think you are referring to those Queensland folk, they're proper weird.

And yes, Luton is a proper shit hole and thank the Lord I only have to visit there but will be better for everyone when we move to Power court.

I'd rather be a northerner than an Aussie, at least I know my ancestors weren't criminals

 

[Caitlyn]

I'd rather be a northerner than an Aussie, at least I know my ancestors weren't criminals

I think my ancestors would literally nick anything that wasn't bolted down.... And they were from Stepney green!!!!

It gets worse! My whole family literally work for Rio Tinto. Took my daughter to Tesco's and she had stolen stuff in her buggy so I took her to Waitrose the day after!

 

[Super_horns]

Probably no bad thing for us as you’ll probably beat us but surprised the Derby game on April 1st isn’t on Sky .

Particularly given the Rob Edwards connection and league table !

 

[Caitlyn]

Is Mick Harford still involved in the Luton setup? I've just walked past him in Lincoln and 2nd time i've seen him here in a couple of months.

Yes, very much.