Soccer

‘I’m not stepping away’ – Rob Edwards ready to fight with lowly Luton

Marcelino Nunez’s second-half goal confirmed three-consecutive defeats for Edwards’ men.

Rob Edwards’ Luton are two points above the relegation zone
Rob Edwards’ Luton are two points above the relegation zone (Joe Giddens/PA)

Rob Edwards said he would not walk away from his duties as Luton manager and that he did not fear any future decisions after the Hatters’ 1-0 Sky Bet Championship defeat at home to Norwich.

Marcelino Nunez’s second-half goal confirmed three-consecutive defeats for Edwards’ men, who have now been pulled into the relegation debate, after losing their Premier League status last season.

Edwards, who joined Luton in 2022, confirmed he would speak to chief executive Gary Sweet following a hostile environment from home supporters at full-time on Wednesday.

“I’m realistic and I know the situation, I don’t fear that, I’m going to keep working hard and what will be will be,” Edwards said when asked if he felt secure in his job.

“I’m not stepping away from this, I’m not walking away at all, it makes me want to turn things around. As much as I want things for this football club, I have a family to provide for, I want to work.”

Luton rued their chances with the likes of Carlton Morris, Elijah Adebayo and Tahith Chong all missing clear-cut opportunities and the result left them just two points above the drop zone.

“It’s always disappointing but I understand it,” Edwards added when asked about the fans’ reaction.

“They could see we were pushing and stayed with the lads but when we’re getting the results we are, I’m not surprised with the reaction at the end.

“Some were applauding but some were angry too, football’s a results business.

“We have got to find a way, it’s OK to look at small margins but we have to be ruthless and we have to take them.”

Johannes Hoff Thorup talked up Norwich’s victory on a day where both sides battled against the elements in Bedfordshire.

Victory saw his side extend their unbeaten run to three matches.

“I’m delighted with the win and mentality because it was difficult circumstances with the soft pitch,” he said.

“We decided to be more direct and get second balls with runs in behind, we did well. We supported each other and tracked back.

“Our first 15-20 minutes was good, we found the flow and had the chance with Emi (Marcondes).

“They got momentum in the second half and we had to defend so it was important for us to get momentum and the goal was decisive and important.”