Luton Town boss Rob Edwards still has the backing of his players but admitted that his future is “out of my hands” after their 5-1 hammering at Middlesbrough.
Ahead of next week’s second anniversary of his appointment on 17 November, 2022, Luton are in 21st place in the Championship after Saturday’s defeat with 15 points from 15 games – kept out of the relegation places only on goal difference.
Hatters captain Carlton Morris is adamant that Edwards’ popularity remains as strong as ever in the dressing room.
“I can only speak for myself and on the players’ behalf,” Morris told BBC Three Counties Radio. “But we’re 100% behind him. We love the gaffer. He’s done so much for this club.”
Edwards said: “It was a really difficult afternoon. It’s one of those days in the end where you want the ground to swallow you up.”
When asked about how he sees his immediate future going into the international break, Edwards said: “That is out of my hands. I want what’s best for the club.”
Just four wins all season and now his joint-worst defeat as Luton boss has led to speculation that his time might at Kenilworth Road might have come to an end.
“If it is, then I’ve loved my time here,” Edwards, who led Luton to promotion to the Premier League in May 2023, told BBC Three Counties Radio. “It’s been two incredible years where we’ve had incredible highs and reached heights that we probably never thought we would, or were capable of.
“But right now, results are too inconsistent and performances have been too inconsistent too. Clearly, I know I’m responsible for that.
“I love this club. Me and my staff have given everything, and always will. I want what’s right for the club.
“But the supporters are the most important people at any football club. I said that when I first arrived. They’ve spent their hard-earned money either leaving first thing this morning to come a really long way or coming up last night. I want to apologise to them. They’re my main concern right now.”
We need to make things right – Morris
The second-half incident involving Boro duo Delano Burgzorg and Luke Ayling that cost Morris a yellow card summed up the frustration of the Hatters skipper with his side trailing 4-0.
Having arrived as a second-half substitute after being left on the bench in an effort to freshen up the team after a succession of matches, Morris, infuriated by an unchallenged exchange of passes between the two Boro players, launched into an over-zealous tackle.
“If I see players passing the ball like that and taking the mick, I’m not going to let that stand,” added Morris. “And I don’t think my team-mates should either.
“It was frustrating and I’m disappointed to have got booked but, with my role in the team, it’s my responsibility. Setting the standard for what should and shouldn’t be acceptable.
“I have a mindset of never letting myself get too low, or too high when it’s going well. We’ve now got this international break to reset and focus. To get in the dressing room next week, ensure the lads are in the right shape to kick on – to focus and make things right.”
Rob Edwards and Carlton Morris were talking to BBC Three Counties Radio’s Simon Oxley
