Luton Town - A Sad Story

It's less than 4 years ago that Luton Town stepped out onto the Selhurst park pitch, backed by their 3,000 strong travelling support, in which Dowie had stupidly branded their "cup final". It was a game they won 2-1, and indeed for many parts of that season, they looked like getting into the playoffs.

Next season however, they will be lining up against the likes of Altrincham, Gateshead, and Grays Athletic a far cry from the days in the championship. But why have they fallen so far, and what can we learn from it?

Well, obviously the 30 point penalty this season meant that any survival would be frankly miraculous, as it would take an absolute genius to motivate players when such a severe penalty is handed out - and indeed they couldn't quite make up the points difference. Prior to that, financial difficulties, and other such problems meant a drop from almost the Championship to League 2 in successive seasons.

It does, for me anyway, make you appreciate how lucky we've got it with Palace - yes we're a bigger club than Luton, but still it shows how quickly you can drop, and with Warnock at the helm I don't see us doing a similar thing, for the time being at least.

But can Luton make it straight back up? Well, it'll be tough - going to places like Histon who play a very direct style on a tuesday night is a completely different kettle of fish to even league 2 football, so it will take time for them to get used to what is needed. Furthermore, they've been sinking for so long, it could be hard to get that winning mentality back - and in a league where only one team is garunteed promotion, a good start is crucial. However, most importantly, the standard in the Blue Square Premier next year is going to be very very high. Oxford United have made a number of signings, and have the fanbase and facilities to be in the football league - much like their rowing counterparts Cambridge. Chuck into the mix teams like Stevenage Borough, Wrexham and Mansfield, and you have a whole host of teams that could challenge Luton for that coveted first spot.

We may complain about Palace's poor run towards the end of last season, and although Luton are an extreme case, I think they are a shining example of why consistency is vital for any club - and why we are very very lucky to have such an experienced head in Warnock in charge of our club right now.