Rob Edwards has left Luton by mutual consent after four straight defeats left them in danger of relegation from the Championship.
Edwards leaves the Hatters after just over two years at Kenilworth Road, during which he led them to the Premier League for the first time via the play-offs in 2022-23.
The Bedfordshire club finished 18th in the Premier League last season and have struggled since being back in the second tier, Monday’s 2-0 defeat to QPR leaving them just two points above the bottom three.
A statement from the Hatters said: “The current campaign back in the Championship has clearly not progressed as anticipated, and after holding amicable talks following Monday’s defeat at QPR, the board and Rob have agreed to part with immediate effect.”
Edwards will remain a popular figure at Luton despite his departure, having guided the Hatters to the top flight for the first time in 30 years.
The statement added: “We could have not wished for a better man to understand what it takes to be manager of Luton Town, one who acted as an ambassador for the club and community in the glare of the world’s media spotlight.”
Luton have won just seven of their 26 Championship matches this season, including nine successive defeats on the road.
We can confirm that Rob Edwards has left his role as manager by mutual agreement.
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) January 9, 2025
CEO Gary Sweet said: “As with all decisions to part company with a manager, this has been a tough decision to arrive at, together with Rob, who has conducted himself with great professionalism and dignity throughout his two years at the club, and again this week as we have genuinely come to a mutual conclusion.
“Rob has given us some of our greatest days to celebrate as Hatters. Those two barnstorming derby victories at Kenilworth Road, the play-off final at Wembley and our season in the Premier League will live with us forever and in doing so Rob has earned himself a legendary status.
“Results this season, especially away from home, have clearly not been acceptable and while we have supported Rob and his team in every possible way, we all felt that action was required to rectify this with 20 league matches still to play.
“It is typical of Rob’s humility that he also recognised this himself and leaves not just as a former manager, but as a trusted friend who has left his mark on every player and member of staff.
“Rob and his family will always be welcome visitors to Kenilworth Road. The door is always open. On behalf of the board, I would like to give him our heartfelt thanks for two years of tireless work and so many memories, wishing him every success for his future career.”
