LUTON, ENGLAND - MAY 01: A corner flag at Kenilworth Road, home of Luton Town Football Club before the Sky Bet Championship match between Luton Town and Middlesbrough at Kenilworth Road on May 01, 2021 in Luton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
Garth Crooks believes Luton Town will be relegated to the Championship after failing to pick up a single point in their opening three Premier League games.
Fans have slammed former Tottenham star Garth Crooks for his “disrespectful” forecast that Luton will be relegated by Christmas.
The Hatters have struggled in their inaugural Premier League season, finishing second bottom of the table after failing to register a point in each of their first three games. Their most recent setback came last Friday, when they were defeated 2-1 at Kenilworth Road by West Ham.
As a result of the Hammers’ performance, defender Kurt Zouma was nominated to Crooks’ team of the week. In addition to complimenting the centre-back, the commentator expressed fear over Luton Town’s future as a Premier League club, saying he “can’t take them seriously.”
“He’s appeared in all of West Ham’s games this season and has been quietly effective in all of them.” “Zouma was the outstanding defender for the Hammers in their 2-1 win over a Luton Town side that is currently just making up the Premier League numbers,” he wrote for BBC Sport.
“It’s good to see the tangerine colours of Luton back in the big league, but I don’t think they’ll be down by Christmas.” They may have taken a few scalps along the road, but don’t be fooled by the scoreline; West Ham’s triumph was as easy as it gets.”
Crooks’ words, on the other hand, infuriated Luton supporters, with many criticising the former forward. “It’s very disrespectful,” one commented, while another suggested the Hatters use Crook’s remarks as incentive, saying, “Hang that in the dressing room, Luton.”
“A club that went from the national league to the Premier League in ten years should absolutely be taken seriously,” said another. “You’re so disrespectful and ignorant.” Another concluded, “Do you not take them seriously?” Harsh. They have earned the right to be present. “I hope they disprove him.”
Luton Town manager Rob Edwards confessed his team had fallen short in their first four games of the season. He argued, though, that the Hatters were still improving and had demonstrated their ability to compete in the top division.
“We’ve faced teams that are heavily possession-based and dominant.” We knew it was going to be difficult, and we’d see more of the ball tonight, but I’ve seen development’, he said following West Ham’s defeat.
“We created some good opportunities that we must be able to take.” I’m pretty sad that we didn’t get anything out of the game. We are capable of competing. I want to give these wonderful fans something to shout about.
“It is a united club at the moment, and that will play into our hands this year, without a doubt.” There will be a war, and not all teams will have what we have, which is together[ness].”
