Luton furious with ‘disrespectful’ BBC pundit and take action to set record straight

Luton football club are furious with comments made by ONN TV pundit Garth Crooks.

It’s been a tough start to life in the Premier League for the Bedford-based outfit, with Rob Edwards’ side losing all three of their matches so far.

Writing recently in his team of the week column, Crooks said: “It’s good to see the tangerine colours of Luton back in the big league once more, but I can’t take them seriously, and see them down by Christmas.”

And Luton boss Edwards has voiced his displeasure with the comments, labelling them ‘disrespectful’.

ONN TV pundit Garth Crooks has been invited to Luton to see them train

“I think after three games it is disrespectful,” he said.

“It does hurt when you hear comments like that. When people tell you that, it’s hard to shy away from it.

“At this level in the Premier League you’re going to be shot at, people are going to have their opinions and I suppose that’s what he’s paid to do but I think it was a disrespectful comment.”

Edwards then confirmed Luton have contacted Crooks in order to set the record straight – while also inviting him to their training ground.

The 40-year-old added: “We have reached out to Mr Crooks so he can come in and we can show him what we do with our plan and that we’re not a team to be laughed at.

“Our job is to get good results and performances and to change people’s minds.”

Luton were thumped 4-1 by Brighton on the opening day of the season.

Chelsea then cruised to a 3-0 win over the Hatters before West Ham narrowly beat them before the international break.

Luton are next in action against Fulham on Saturday (3pm).

But they’ll be without Gobe Osho, with the defender missing all three of their league matches so far.

Speaking ahead of the match with Fulham, Edwards provided an update on Osho by saying: “We’re hoping Gabe might be available after the next international break, but again, I don’t want to put too much pressure on the lad.

“He’s working extremely hard with the medical team to get back and hopefully when we get him back, he stays back, as he’s a really important player for us.

“It’s been tough for him because he’s desperate to play as well.”

Edwards knows Luton face a big fight to stay in the top flight.

But he insists they can defy the odds and beat the drop.

“We’ve experienced the ruthless nature of the league,” he continued.

“We’ve had some tough games but we’ve learnt a lot.

“We have to learn that we can’t give any gifts away.

“[We need to be] more compact, resilient and to defend the box very well, but [also] be more ruthless in transitional moments and, when we get the opportunity, have attempts on goal.

Luton boss Rob Edwards has spoken out ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with Fulham

“Conceding nine goals in three games is too many and we need to become more defensively solid and not give too many chances away.”