2023–24 Luton Town F.C. season explained

The 2023–24 season was the 138th season in the history of Luton Town and their first ever season in the Premier League.^[1] It was the club's first return to the top flight of English football since the 1991–92 season.^[1] In addition to the domestic league, the club also participated in the FA Cup and the EFL Cup.

Luton were relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the season following a 4–2 home loss to Fulham, combined with results elsewhere.^[2]

Squad

No.	Player	Position	Nationality	Place of birth	Date of birth (age)	Signed from	Date signed	Fee	Contract end
Goalkeepers
1							3 July 2017	Undisclosed	30 June 2024
23					3 April 1988		17 August 2023	Undisclosed	30 June 2024
24					23 October 1992		3 August 2023	£2,500,000	30 June 2026
Defenders
2							18 November 2020	Free transfer	30 June 2024
3							29 May 2015	Free transfer	30 June 2024
4					3 December 1994		1 September 2020	Undisclosed	30 June 2025
5					27 December 1997		3 July 2023	Undisclosed	30 June 2026
12					12 May 2001		21 July 2023	Loan	31 May 2024
15							31 August 2023	Undisclosed	Unknown
16							1 July 2021	Free transfer	30 June 2025
27					17 May 1999		30 January 2024	Undisclosed	30 June 2026
29					5 May 1994		1 July 2021	Free transfer	30 June 2024
38					9 January 2006	Academy	9 August 2023		30 June 2024
45							20 June 2022	Undisclosed	30 June 2024
Midfielders
6					5 December 1993		9 August 2023	Free Transfer	30 June 2024
8							25 August 2017	Undisclosed	30 June 2024
13					19 January 1994		20 July 2023	Undisclosed	30 June 2026
17					22 March 1994		28 January 2014	Undisclosed	30 June 2025
18							5 August 2020	Free transfer	30 June 2024
28					22 October 1999		1 September 2023	Loan	31 May 2024
32							25 May 2021	Undisclosed	30 June 2024
43					21 May 2005	Academy	21 January 2023		30 June 2025
—					9 November 2000		24 September 2021		30 June 2024
Forwards
7					1 May 1997		1 July 2023	Free transfer	30 June 2025
9					16 December 1995		1 July 2022	Undisclosed	30 June 2026
10					2 December 1994		6 July 2022	£1,700,000	30 June 2026
11							1 February 2021	Undisclosed	30 June 2024
14					4 December 1999		13 July 2023	Undisclosed	30 June 2026
19					10 April 1998		10 August 2023	Undisclosed	30 June 2026
30					16 July 1991		11 October 2023	Free transfer	30 June 2026
Out on Loan
15					21 August 1998		15 July 2021	Undisclosed	30 June 2024
20							1 July 2022	Undisclosed	30 June 2024
21							2 August 2022	Undisclosed	30 June 2024
22							15 June 2021	Undisclosed	30 June 2024
25							31 January 2022	Undisclosed	30 June 2024
26					26 January 2000		28 July 2023	Undisclosed	30 June 2026
40	Aidan Francis-Clarke				2 July 2004	Academy	1 July 2022		30 June 2025
—					12 March 2000		17 January 2024	Undisclosed	30 June 2027
—					25 December 2002		2 August 2022	Undisclosed	30 June 2024
—					25 March 1999		3 November 2020		30 June 2024
—							30 January 2023	Undisclosed	30 June 2024

Transfers

In

Date	Pos.	Player	Transferred from	Fee	Ref.
1 July 2023				Free transfer	[3]
3 July 2023				Undisclosed	[4]
14 July 2023				Undisclosed	[5]
20 July 2023				Undisclosed	[6]
28 July 2023				Undisclosed	[7]
3 August 2023				Undisclosed	[8]
9 August 2023				Free transfer	[9]
10 August 2023				Undisclosed	[10]
17 August 2023				Undisclosed	[11]
31 August 2023				Undisclosed	[12]
11 October 2023			Free agent (previously Everton)	Free transfer	[13]
17 January 2024				Undisclosed	[14]
30 January 2024				Undisclosed	[15]
1 February 2024		Henry Blackledge		Undisclosed	[16]
1 February 2024		Oliver Camis
1 February 2024				Undisclosed	[17]

Out

Date	Pos.	Player	Transferred to	Fee	Ref.
30 June 2023				End of contract	[18] [19]
30 June 2023				Released	[20]
30 June 2023		Avan Jones		Released	[21]
30 June 2023				Released	[22]
30 June 2023				Released	[23]
30 June 2023				Released	[24]
30 June 2023		Callum Nicolson		Released	[25]
30 June 2023		Casey Pettit		Released
30 June 2023		Josh Williams		Released	[26]
24 July 2023				Undisclosed	[27]
24 August 2023				Mutual consent	[28]
2 September 2023				Mutual Consent	[29]
2 September 2023				Mutual consent	[30]
1 February 2024		Tyrelle Newton		Mutual consent

Loaned in

Date	Pos.	Player	Loaned from	Until	Ref.
21 July 2023				End of season	[31]
1 September 2023				End of season	[32]

Loaned out

Date	Pos.	Player	Loaned to	Date until	Ref.
10 July 2023				End of season	[33]
12 July 2023				8 January 2024	[34]
26 July 2023				10 January 2024	[35] [36]
30 July 2023		Ben Tompkins		End of season	[37]
5 August 2023				8 January 2024	[38] [39]
18 August 2023				8 January 2024	[40]
23 August 2023		Tobias Braney		1 January 2024	[41]
24 August 2023				End of season	[42]
25 August 2023		Josh Allen		1 January 2024	[43]
1 September 2023				End of season	[44]
1 September 2023				End of season	[45]
1 September 2023				9 January 2024	[46]
1 September 2023				End of season	[47]
2 September 2023		Aidan Francis-Clarke		End of season	[48]
2 January 2024		Jameson Horlick		End of season	[49]
8 January 2024		Tobias Braney		End of season
9 January 2024				End of season	[50]
16 January 2024		Jayden Luker		End of season	[51]
17 January 2024				End of season
18 January 2024		Millar Matthews-Lewis		End of season	[52]
27 January 2024				End of season	[53]
30 January 2024				End of season	[54]
1 February 2024		Josh Allen		End of season
1 February 2024		Jake Burger		End of season
1 February 2024				End of season	[55]
1 February 2024		Jacob Pinnington		End of season	[56]
5 February 2024		Jack Bateson		End of season
5 February 2024		Oliver Lynch		End of season	[57]

Pre-season and friendlies

On 4 July, the Hatters announced their first pre-season friendly, against Ipswich Town.^[58] Three days later, a second was added, against Sheffield Wednesday.^[59] A third was added, against Wolverhampton Wanderers.^[60] The club's final friendly was confirmed to be against VfL Bochum in a double-header.^[61]

Competitions

Premier League

See main article: 2023–24 Premier League.

Matches

On 15 June, the Premier League fixtures were released.^[62]

Abandoned match with Bournemouth

On 16 December 2023, during the match away against Bournemouth, Luton defender Tom Lockyer collapsed due to a cardiac arrest in the 59th minute of the match resulting in the match being abandoned in the 65th minute.^[63] On 20 December 2023, the Premier League ruled the match would be replayed in full at a later date.^[64] On 7 February 2024, it was announced that the rearranged fixture would take place on 13 March 2024.^[65]

FA Cup

See main article: 2023–24 FA Cup.

As a Premier League side, Luton entered in the third round, and were drawn at home to EFL League One club Bolton Wanderers.^{[66] [67]} In the fifth round, they were drawn at home to the holders, Manchester City.^{[68] [69]}

EFL Cup

See main article: 2023–24 EFL Cup.

Luton entered the competition in the second round, and were drawn at home to Gillingham.^[70] They were then drawn away to Exeter City in the third round.^[71]

Squad statistics

Appearances and goals

|-! colspan=14 style="background:#FF3300; color:white; text-align:center| Goalkeepers

|-! colspan=14 style="background:#FF3300; color:white; text-align:center| Defenders

|-! colspan=14 style="background:#FF3300; color:white; text-align:center| Midfielders|-

! colspan=14 style="background:#FF3300; color:white; text-align:center| Forwards

|-! colspan=14 style="background:#FF3300; color:white; text-align:center| Players transferred out during the season

|}

Notes and References

1. Web site: A Brief History of Luton Town FC . Luton Town F.C..
2. News: Luton relegated after defeat to Fulham. Premier League. 19 May 2024. 19 May 2024.
3. News: Chiedozie Ogbene joins Luton Town! . 27 June 2023 . Luton Town FC . 27 June 2023.
4. News: Mads Andersen signs for Luton Town! . 3 Jul 2023 . Luton Town FC . 3 Jul 2023.
5. News: Tahith Chong is a Hatter! . 14 July 2023 . Luton Town FC . 14 July 2023.
6. News: Marvelous, just marvellous . 20 July 2023 . Luton Town FC . 20 July 2023.
7. News: We've signed Ryan Giles . 28 July 2023 . Luton Town FC . 28 July 2023.
8. News: Goalkeeper Kaminski captured! . 3 August 2023 . Luton Town FC . 3 August 2023.
9. News: Ross Barkley is a Hatter! . 9 August 2023 . Luton Town FC . 9 August 2023.
10. News: Luton sign forward Brown from Stoke . 10 August 2023 . Premier League . 10 August 2023.
11. News: Tim Krul has signed for Luton Town! . 17 August 2023 . Luton Town FC . 17 August 2023.
12. News: Teden Mengi signs from Manchester United! . 31 August 2023 . Luton Town FC . 31 August 2023.
13. Web site: Andros Townsend signs for the Hatters. Luton Town FC. 11 October 2023.
14. News: Holmes agrees switch and rejoins Reading on loan . 17 January 2024 . Luton Town FC . 17 January 2024.
15. News: Japanese international Hashioka joins the Hatters . 30 January 2024 . Luton Town FC . 30 January 2024.
16. News: Hatters add teenage goalkeepers to development squad . 1 February 2024 . Luton Town FC . 1 February 2024.
17. News: Hatters snap up Taylan Harris from Reading . 1 February 2024 . Luton Town FC . 1 February 2024.
18. News: Captain Sonny Bradley to leave the Hatters this summer . 12 May 2023 . Luton Town FC . 10 May 2023.
19. News: Experienced Defender Bradley Becomes Summer Signing Number Five . 8 July 2023 . Derby County FC . 7 July 2023.
20. News: Harry Isted is an Addick . 24 June 2023 . Charlton Athletic FC . 24 June 2023.
21. News: Avan Jones . 25 September 2023 . Chesham United . 25 September 2023.
22. News: Luton Town Retained / Released List 2023 . 1 June 2023 . Luton Town FC . 1 June 2023.
23. News: Daggers Sign Conor Lawless . 1 August 2023 . Dagenham & Redbridge FC . 31 July 2023.
24. News: Forward joins after leaving Premier League new boys . 1 June 2023 . AFC Wimbledon . 1 June 2023.
25. News: OD's Sign Former Hatter . 3 August 2023 . Southern Football League . 3 August 2023.
26. News: Josh Williams signs permanently for Hemel Hempstead . 25 September 2023 . Hemel Hempstead FC . 1 July 2023.
27. News: Carlos Mendes Gomes signs for Bolton . 24 July 2023 . Luton Town FC . 24 July 2023.
28. News: Luke Freeman departs . 24 August 2023 . Luton Town FC . 24 August 2023.
29. News: Matt Macey departs . 2 September 2023 . Luton Town FC . 2 September 2023.
30. News: Thank you and good luck, Glen! . 2 September 2023 . Luton Town FC . 2 September 2023.
31. News: Issa wonderful piece of business . 21 July 2023 . Luton Town FC . 21 July 2023.
32. News: Sambi Lokonga joins Luton Town on loan . 2 September 2023 . Arsenal FC . 1 September 2023.
33. News: Jack Walton joins Dundee United on loan . 10 July 2023 . Luton Town FC . 10 July 2023.
34. News: Elliot Thorpe moves to Shrewsbury Town on season-long loan! . 12 July 2023 . Luton Town FC . 12 July 2023.
35. News: Fred Onyedinma joins Rotherham United on loan . 28 July 2023 . Luton Town FC . 28 July 2023.
36. News: Fred Onyedinma returns from loan . 10 January 2024 . Luton Town FC . 10 January 2024.
37. Web site: Ben Tompkins signs on a one month's loan . Twitter . Braintree Town FC . 31 July 2023.
38. News: Joe Taylor joins Colchester United on loan . 5 August 2023 . Luton Town FC . 5 August 2023.
39. News: Trio return from loan spells . 8 January 2024 . Luton Town FC . 8 January 2024.
40. News: Forward Bim Pepple becomes latest arrival . 18 August 2023 . Bromley FC . 18 August 2023.
41. News: Tobias Braney joins Bishop's Stortford on loan . 23 August 2023 . Luton Town FC . 23 August 2023.
42. News: John McAtee joins Barnsley on loan . 24 August 2023 . Luton Town FC . 24 August 2023.
43. News: Chesham loan move for Josh Allen . 25 August 2023 . Luton Town FC . 25 August 2023.
44. News: Millwall complete Allan Campbell loan move . 1 September 2023 . Millwall FC . 1 September 2023.
45. News: Welcome the Admiral: Muskwe is a Grecian . 1 September 2023 . Exeter City FC . 1 September 2023.
46. News: Dion Pereira joins Sutton on loan . 1 September 2023 . Luton Town FC . 1 September 2023.
47. News: Addicks complete Louie Watson loan . 1 September 2023 . Charlton Athletic FC . 1 September 2023.
48. News: Daggers Sign Aidan Francis-Clarke . 2 September 2023 . Dagenham & Redbridge FC . 2 September 2023.
49. News: Horlick signs contract extension and joins Dorchester Town on loan! . 2 January 2024 . Luton Town FC . 2 January 2024.
50. News: Joe Taylor joins Lincoln on loan . 9 January 2024 . Luton Town FC . 9 January 2024.
51. News: Luker heads to Woking on loan . 16 January 2024 . Luton Town FC . 16 January 2024.
52. News: Millar Matthews-Lewis joins Farnborough on loan . 18 January 2024 . Luton Town FC . 18 January 2024.
53. News: Dion Pereira joins Dagenham on loan . 28 January 2024 . Luton Town FC . 27 January 2024.
54. News: Ryan Giles completes loan switch to Hull . 30 January 2024 . Luton Town FC . 30 January 2024.
55. News: Aribim Pepple joins Inverness Caledonian Thistle on loan . 1 February 2024 . Luton Town FC . 1 February 2024.
56. News: Young trio head out on loan . 1 February 2024 . Luton Town FC . 1 February 2024.
57. News: Young duo head to Hitchin on loan . 5 February 2024 . Luton Town FC . 5 February 2024.
58. News: Hatters to face Ipswich Town in pre-season . 4 July 2023 . Luton Town FC . 4 July 2023.
59. News: Town travel to Sheffield Wednesday for pre-season friendly . 8 July 2023 . Luton Town FC . 7 July 2023.
60. News: Town travel to Wolves for August pre-season friendly! . 11 July 2023 . Luton Town FC . 11 July 2023.
61. News: Hatters to face German side VfL Bochum in final friendlies! . 17 July 2023 . Luton Town FC . 17 July 2023.
62. News: Luton Town 2023-24 Premier League fixtures . 15 June 2023 . Luton Town F.C. . 15 June 2023.
63. News: Tom Lockyer suffers cardiac arrest as Bournemouth vs Luton abandoned. NBC Sports. 16 December 2023. 16 December 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231217004252/https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/luton-captain-tom-lockyer-collapses-during-game-at-bournemouth. 17 December 2023.
64. News: Premier League statement on AFC Bournemouth v Luton. Premier League. 20 December 2023. 20 December 2023. 20 December 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231220185742/https://www.premierleague.com/news/3830154. live.
65. News: New Date Set For Luton Home Game. AFC Bournemouth. 7 February 2024. 7 February 2024. 7 February 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240207174336/https://www.afcb.co.uk/news/first-team/new-date-set-for-luton-home-game/. live.
66. News: Hatters to host Bolton in FA Cup third round . 4 December 2023 . Luton Town F.C. . 3 December 2023.
67. News: Date and ticket prices confirmed for Bolton tie . 8 December 2023 . Luton Town F.C. . 8 December 2023.
68. News: Hatters host holders Man City in fifth round . 29 January 2024 . Luton Town FC . 28 January 2024.
69. News: Man City tie to be televised on ITV . 7 February 2024 . Luton Town FC . 2 February 2024.
70. News: Carabao Cup Second Round opponent confirmed! . 10 August 2023 . Luton Town F.C. . 9 August 2023.
71. News: Carabao Cup third round opponent confirmed! . 30 August 2023 . Luton Town F.C. . 30 August 2023.