Luton Town have sacked manager Matt Bloomfield in the latest low for the club having plummeted down from the Premier League.
The Hatters earned a brilliant promotion to the top flight under Rob Edwards in 2023, after beating Coventry in the play-off final at Wembley.
Despite being overwhelming favourites for the drop, Luton took the battle against relegation to the final day of the 2023-24 season.
Their Premier League stint would only last one season after a final day loss, combined with other results, saw the Hatters return to the Championship.
Edwards was sacked in January with the club embroiled in another relegation battle, leading to Bloomfield’s appointment as manager.
Luton became the fourth side to suffer back-to-back relegations from the Premier League, going down on the final day back in May on goal difference.
Luton Town have sacked Matt Bloomfield with the club lying 11th in League One
The Hatters were promoted to the Premier League in 2023 but have struggled since
Bloomfield was entrusted with leading Luton back into the Championship at the first attempt, but the Hatters currently lie 11th in League One after five wins, one draw and five defeats so far this season.
Luton confirmed Bloomfield’s departure on Monday, stating that performances and results had ‘fallen below the levels expected.
‘Luton Town Football Club has today parted company with manager Matt Bloomfield,’ a statement read.
‘Performances and results from the opening 11 matches of the current campaign in League One have fallen below the levels expected, and the Board of Directors has taken the difficult decision to relieve Matt, his assistant Richard Thomas, first team coach Lee Harrison and first team analyst Ben Cirne of their duties.
‘The Board wishes to thank Matt, Richard, Lee and Ben for their efforts during a difficult period for the Club and wishes them the very best for their future careers.
‘Alex Lawless, aided by Paul Benson, Kevin Foley and Kevin Pilkington, will take control of the team for the interim period, starting with Tuesday night’s Vertu Trophy trip to Cambridge United.
‘With two training weeks ahead of the next league match, the process of appointing a new manager is now underway, which will be led by a committee involving members from the executive team, recruitment, football staff and the board.’
Luton chief executive Gary Sweet had backed Bloomfield just 10 days ago, but admitted he would have ‘no qualms’ in replacing him should results not improve.
Luton dropped into League One after suffering back-to-back relegations from the top flight
Following his comment, Luton earned a 1-0 win over Doncaster Rovers and then drew 2-2 against struggling Blackpool.
Saturday’s 2-0 defeat against league leaders Stevenage proved to be Bloomfield’s final match in charge.
Bloomfield, who began his managerial career at Colchester, departs with Luton three points off the League One playoff places.
The Hatters are eight points adrift of the automatic promotion spots.
