27 May 2023 , 20:21
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Rob Edwards was fully focused on the health of captain Tom Lockyer after his team won promotion to the Premier League.
Edwards' side earned a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Coventry after a 1-1 draw in which they had multiple goals disallowed. The Hatters needed sudden death to prevail, with Dan Potts' spot-kick proving decisive as Fankaty Dabo missed from the spot for the Sky Blues.
Luton are preparing for their first ever season in the Premier League, having been in non-league as recently as 2013-14 season. While some launched straight into celebrations, though, others - including the manager - stressed the importance of Lockyer's recovery after he went down in worrying circumstances at Wembley.
"I've got to be honest, the only thing I'm thinking about right now is Tom Lockyer," Edwards told Sky Sports. "He's been immense for us this season.
"Health is the most important thing, family's the most important thing. More important than football, more important than this, and all of those things you're talking about are great but I don't care right now until he's alright.
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"I know he's alright, I think a few of the guys have spoken to him in hospital - he's getting well looked after. Carlton [Morris] is really close with Locks and the two of them were talking, which is really good, obviously.
"So that's just where my head's at at the moment, and I don't know. It just felt a little bit wrong to celebrate at the time."
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Tom Lockyer was stretchered off in the first half (Simon Dael/REX/Shutterstock)Edwards was put in better spirits by the sight of Lockyer celebrating the win from his hospital bed. The player's father shared the photo, reassuring some of those concerned about the skipper.
"I can't speak highly enough of him," Edwards said of Lockyer. "Really pleased he's okay."
Potts, who scored the match-winning penalty, was another to show support for the captain. The defender is one of a handful of Luton players with Premier League experience, having played for West Ham in the top-flight.
Dan Potts converted the decisive penalty (Ryan Browne/REX/Shutterstock)Another ex-West Ham player, Reece Burke, was thrown into the mix as an early sub for Lockyer and played more than 100 minutes of the victory. Potts was only on the field for eight minutes, arriving as penalties loomed, but the 29-year-old made a significant impact.
"The squad, the spirit we’ve got," Potts told Sky Sports. "I’m gutted for Locks (Tom Lockyer) he deserved to be there holding that trophy.
"Hopefully we’ll be able to see him tonight. The gaffer always says health is the most important thing and family."