Heidenheim of the Premier League: England celebrate the fairy tale of midget Luton

Heidenheim of the Premier League
England celebrates the fairy tale of Dwarf Luton

Luton Town FC seems out of date in the glamorous world of the Premier League, but the football fairy tale makes the hearts of romantics beat faster. The impact of the rise will be enormous for the city, promises the club boss.

On the left a front door to a small, neat brick building. Right too. Four windows above. If the fans of Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Mohammed Salah and Co. want to see their heroes at Luton Town FC next year, they first have to stroll through perfectly normal English backyards. Because: The entrance for away fans at 1. FC Heidenheim of the Premier League is in the middle, really in the middle of a residential street.

Fans across the island are enjoying themselves these days at the venerable 10,356 capacity stadium on Kenilworth Road which, like so much in Luton, seems to have fallen out of time. But suddenly the “Hatters” get involved with the really big ones.

“Let’s stay humble”

“The impact of the Premier League will be enormous for this city,” said club boss Gary Sweet after the fairytale promotion, “it could be a life-changing opportunity for us, but we shouldn’t change our character.” And so he called out to fans who partied in Orange: “Let’s still be ourselves, still grounded. Let’s stay humble.”

Luton’s story is one for football romantics. Nine years ago, the traditional club was still playing in the 5th division, but was already on the verge of being eliminated after a financial scandal – now next season it’s against Manchester City and Liverpool FC. “The fans have seen a lot of dark moments, it’s nice that we were able to give them a smile,” said team manager Rob Edwards.

“It was a journey through ups and downs”

Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu has come all the way from the lowlands of the fifth division to the big stage with Luton, best known for its airport north of London. “I’ve played football, I’ll stop in the summer,” said the midfielder, grinning: “It’s been a journey of ups and downs, but you have to believe in yourself. And now I’m standing here – as a Premier League player. It will be celebrated all summer.”

Experts estimate the value of the promotion by triumphing in the play-off final against Coventry City on penalties at around 170 million pounds (almost 200 million euros), much of which Luton has to invest in the modernization of the more than 100-year-old stadium. And the romantics among the fans hope that the retro charm will not be lost.

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