Luton didn't want to 'let down supporters'
LUTON TOWN have responded to Grimsby Town's withdrawal from the Errea South West Challenge Cup final, arguing there should have been no fears for anyone's safety.
The Hatters will meet Royal Racing FC Montegnee in Bideford this evening (6pm) after Grimsby pulled out, having failed to get the kick-off time changed.
-
Grimsby claimed a 3pm start would have allowed a greater police presence at the Sports Ground amid fears of a hostile reaction from Luton fans to manager Mike Newell. The Mariners boss left Luton on bad terms when he was sacked as their manager in March 2007.
However, Grimsby were also keen to get away from North Devon early so they could prepare for tomorrow night's Lincolnshire Cup clash with Scunthorpe United and Tuesday evening's friendly against Leeds United.
Newell was also thought to be reluctant to put his side through five games in five days, the schedule they would have faced had they played tonight's final.
On their website, Luton said in a statement: "Grimsby have cited an issue of safety, however there was no justification, evidence or intelligence from tournament organisers or police that any risk to safety was evident and therefore a change in kick-off time would in fact have created a negative impact on both clubs' supporters and the tournament.
"The Hatters directors, manager and coaching staff were together when they received the request from Grimsby and made a united decision not to let down the club's supporters and to keep the final at a 6pm kick-off."
Luton managing director Gary Sweet added: "We're very disappointed that we are unable to play the team who progressed to the final on merit and we believe this compromises the integrity of the otherwise excellent competition.
"We saw no reason as to why we should change the kick-off time as all clubs knew from the outset what time the final was planned to kick-off and we did not want our supporters to turn up at Bideford at 6pm only to find out the game had finished.
"Given the short notice by Grimsby, we would have faced an impossible task to inform our supporters here in Devon that the kick-off time had been altered.
"However, we will be there at six and look forward to an exciting game against strong opposition."
The South West Challenge Cup final kicks off at 6pm and you can follow the action at www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/erreacup with our live blog from the Sports Ground.
27 Comments
View all
by John Foster, Portland,Maine,USA
Monday, July 20 2009, 12:35PM
“Good morning Simon,how are things in North Devon today?”
by John Foster, Portland,Maine,USA
Monday, July 20 2009, 12:32PM
“Well from what I've read, I don't understand why the tournament organiser is sending out statements accusing Town. Having looked on news sources from the Luton side, it seems that even though they weren't happy that we pulled out, they still accept that there were big concerns about safety and crowd behaviour. Instead of pointing the finger, Mike Bradshaw should just accept that they couldn't guarantee enough resources to make sure that things didn't kick off (no pun intended).”
by simon gooding, north devon
Monday, July 20 2009, 8:41AM
“Just one other point... Who ever picks or invites the teams to take part MUST gen up on his football team knowledge before teams are picked for next year Challenge cup if it continues? Some teams have a rotten core of followers some teams are worse then others and this has to be taken into consideration. I wonder who will be invited next year? Leeds? Millwall? Cardiff? Bristol Rovers? Bradford? Could our little grounds with easy access to the pitch and teams dugouts with a handfull of stewards and no police presence cope with SOME AND I MEAN SOME of the travelling away fans from such clubs? After this years cup games I think not. SERIOUSLY LOOK INTO WHO YOU INVITE AS PARTISIPATING TEAMS TO AVOID TROUBLE AND PULL OUTS ETC!!!!”
by simon gooding, north devon
Monday, July 20 2009, 8:26AM
“well the challenge cup games are over... will they continue with it next year? last year to pull out was crystal palace, this year grimsby...last nights so called final was a farce, and can not be classed as a final and the eight pound entrance fee was a bit steep, I wouldnt have minded paying it if it had been the TRUE finalists but there you go. Thanks must go to RRFC Montegnee who at least showed up shame their number 15 didnt score. Thanks to all the stewards etc who did a good job. And thanks to MOST of all the travelling away fans for having a good time.”
by Dyker, Poland
Sunday, July 19 2009, 8:09PM
“As an ex-player of most of the minor sides in this comp. I am shocked that any club could ask for a change of time for the final -
It is simply amazing -
Whatever the history between Grimsby and Luton, an agreement to participate is total.
The work that has been going on for 2 years now to build this tournament to its current position is incredible and by one team pulling out has put a lot of pressure on its future - I hope football fans will genuinely get behind the organisers to ensure this tournament continues - Errea desrerve it.
Likewise the groups of unpaid workers at Ilfracombe, Barnstaple, Bideford and Appledore football clubs, who all worked tirelessly to ensure their grounds were ready for hosting these games deserve much more than the petulance shown by a minor *professional football club.
*professional may not be the correct word, in this instance and I truly hope they will not be accepted to play in this tournament again.”