Some of Luton Town's greatest ex-players and managers returned to Kenilworth Road on Saturday, to join in the celebrations for 100 years of football at the ground. With plans for a new stadium in the pipeline, it's unlikely there'll be another 100 years at the old venue, which made the celebrations before the match against Wolves all the more special.  | | Bill Tomlins and John Moore |
Players such as Billy Bingham, Roy Banyham, John Moore, Bobby Thompson, Alan West, Kingsley Black and Julian James were treated to a VIP tour of the ground and a special centenary lunch before parading on the pitch prior to the match. They were joined by other specially invited guests including Joan Bartholomew, the widow of the Hatters' most famous fan, Eric Morcambe, who watched them play for the first time in 25 years. Memories Before the game, many of the former players spoke of their memories of playing for the club and how good it was to be back. Alan West, now a minister at the Luton Christian Fellowship, recalled the time he first arrived at the club. "When I arrived in 73 we were pushing for promotion to the old first division" he said. "We got promoted that year, sadly we got relegated the next year but it was a great season and a great experience. "That was one side of it" he continued. "Then I played in the next generation with the Ricky Hills and the Brian Steins and those young lads pushing through and what a great side they had after that. "It's good to be here and celebrate 100 years of Luton Town. It's great to still be in the town and be part of it." Formidable Northern Ireland's Billy Bingham finished off a great week for his countrymen by visiting Kenilworth Road. He remembered the side he played in and probably his best memory - 1958. "During what I would call the 58-60 period Luton had a very good side. We had English, Scottish and Irish internationals so the team was quite formidable" he said.  | | Mike Collins, Bobby Thompson and Billy B |
"We reached the Cup Final in '58. I had 22 goals that season, 16 in the League and six in the Cup so I think I would get about £100,000 a week now if I was negotiating a contract. They were the halcyon days, we all have our memories and it's nice to see everybody assembling here for the 100 years. "I still follow Luton. I have three teams I follow. Luton, Everton and Sunderland. I like to see how they're doing" he added. Affection Kingsley Black and Julian James both spoke of their continuing affection for Luton Town. "It's nice to see some familiar faces and to be greeted so warmly" said Kingsley. "This is my home town and my home club and I've got great affection for this ground and this club." "I've kept an eye on the football and I'm so pleased that Luton are doing well" added Julian. "It's great today to come down and see some old faces and renew some acquaintances. "It's a tight ground here and there's always a good support and I'm sure they'll get behind the team this season for a possible play off place and then .... you never know!" People It was left to John Moore to encapsulate what he thought was so special about coming to Luton Town. He said that he didn't have one particular memory, it was just the people who made it special.  | | Kirk Stephens |
"There are some lovely people here, lovely faces and it's nice to see so many people associated with the club. It's a fantastic day for everybody hopefully" he said. "Let's be honest about it, whoever you are or whatever you are it's the people who make the thing or don't make the thing and as far as I'm concerned, my association with the club has always been about the people who were at the club. "That's the thing about the club that you can't take away. It's that feeling of when you walk through the door you're welcome and that is something you can't box and you can't cherish it enough. That's what it's all about." | 
