Recollections of a promotion season
For Kevin Foley, the 2004/05 season holds special significance, marking a time when a determined Town squad overcame the odds to secure promotion. Foley, a product of the academy, reflects on the memorable campaign, the hurdles he faced as a young player, and the unity that propelled the Hatters to success.
KevinFoley’s journey with the Hatters started at a young age. So when we caught up with him to discuss our promotion 20 years ago, nostalgia soon washed over the right-back.
“I came to the club when I was about nine,” recalls Foley, now 39 and the Town’s first team coach. “I had just started playing grassroots football a bit later than others. But soon after, in the first few games, I was scouted with two of my mates. We all went to train for six weeks. Luckily, I stayed on, but sadly, my two friends didn’t make it. I stayed there until I was 22.”
From those early days, Foley could feel that the club was committed to developing young talent.
“Luton had a reputation for giving chances to young players. You could see that – players like Matthew Taylor and Matthew Spring were all breaking through at the time. We knew there was a path to follow, and it gave us younger players a lot of encouragement.”
The dressing room atmosphere was a tough one to navigate, however. “It was a great environment but a challenging one. You were tested straight away. Thinking of the characters there like Kevin Nicholls and Steve Howard – they really put you through your paces. You either sank or swam, but I loved it.”
Making the first team is never easy for a young player, and Foley experienced the pressure firsthand.
“When you got the chance to train with the first team, you really had to make it count. You didn’t want to slip up but still had to prove yourself. It was a tough business, but it helped me grow.”
His breakthrough, back in April 2003, came during a financially unstable period for the Hatters, which ironically would work to the advantage of Foley and his fellow academy graduates.
“There was a transfer embargo,” he explains. “Mike Newell had a fresh look at the squad, and I began playing more friendlies and training with the first team. I quickly impressed him. I still remember standing in the tunnel before our first game of the season against Rushden. It was scorching hot, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready. But as we walked out, I told myself I had to be. We won that game.”
After a solid first season in 2003/04 in which the Hatters finished 10th, the 2004/05 season was one Foley will never forget. Led by Newell, the Town made a strong start, surprising both themselves and their supporters by winning the first six games and going unbeaten until October
“I think we shocked everyone, including ourselves,” Foley admits. “We had a solid season the year before, but 2004/05 was something special. During pre-season, we began to believe, ‘We’ve got a real shot here.’”
Leadership and resilience were central to the team’s success.
“We had leaders all over the pitch. Kevin Nicholls was always pushing me to get around him and support him, but he was fantastic for me. I learned so much from players like Chris Coyne and Steve Howard too. Our team managed itself in a way; there were leaders everywhere.”
That unity carried the Town through challenging periods. Foley recalls a stretch when they lost three games in a row, sparking doubts about their promotion hopes. However, Newell’s calm demeanour kept them on course. “The manager showed us a video of one of those losses and told us there wasn’t much wrong. He kept us grounded, and we went on beat Bradford 4-0 in the next game.”
23rdApril 2005, is a date forever etched in Foley’s memory. The Town headed to Wrexham on St George’s Day knowing victory could hand them the League One title. Despite trailing 1-0 at half-time, the Hatters turned the game around with two goals from Chris Coyne and Curtis Davies to clinch the championship.
“That game confirmed the title,” Foley recalls. “It was unreal. A few years earlier, I was still at school, and now I was playing for Luton, celebrating promotion in front of my family and friends. It felt like a dream.”
The bond within the squad was instrumental to their success. Foley reflects on the camaraderie they shared both on and off the pitch. “We were in such a good rhythm that season. After every match, we’d celebrate together. Win or lose, we stuck together. It was a close-knit team, and even Mike Newell and Brian Stein were part of that.”
For Foley, that promotion season wasn’t just about winning; it was a pivotal moment in his career. It taught him the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and making the most of every opportunity.
“That season gave me a glimpse of what was possible. It was an incredible environment to be in, and I’m grateful to Luton for all the chances they gave me,” he says.
“Playing for Luton as a local lad, getting promoted – it’s something I’ll always cherish.”
