Rob Edwards left Luton by mutual consent after four consecutive defeats saw them go through successive relegations.
Edwards leaves the Hatters after just over two years at Kenilworth Road, during which he guided them to the Premier League for the first time via the play-offs in 2022-23.
The Bedfordshire club finished 18th in the Premier League last season and have struggled since their return to the second tier, Monday’s 2-0 defeat at QPR leaving them just two points above the bottom three.
A statement from the Hatters said: “The current campaign back in the Championship has clearly not progressed as expected and following friendly talks following Monday’s defeat to QPR, the board and Rob have agreed to part ways with immediate effect.”
Edwards will remain a popular figure at Luton despite his departure, having led the Hatters to the top flight for the first time in 30 years.
The statement added: “We couldn’t have asked for a better man to understand what it takes to be a Luton Town manager, one who has acted as an ambassador for the club and the community under the glare of the global media spotlight.”
Luton have won just seven of their 26 Championship games this season, including nine consecutive defeats at home.
We can confirm that Rob Edwards has stepped down from his role as manager by mutual consent.
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) January 9, 2025
Chief executive Gary Sweet said: “As with all decisions to part company with a manager, this was a difficult decision to reach, along with Rob, who conducted himself with great professionalism and dignity during his two years at the club, and again. this week as we have really come to a mutual conclusion.
“Rob has given us some of our best days to celebrate as Hatters. Those two derby wins at Kenilworth Road, the play-off final at Wembley and our Premier League season will live with us forever and in doing so Rob has earned legendary status.
“The results this season, especially away from home, were clearly not acceptable and while we supported Rob and his team in every way we could, we all felt that action was needed to put this right with 20 league games still to play.
“It is typical of Rob’s humility that he recognized this himself and left not just as a former manager, but as a trusted friend who left his mark on every player and staff member.
“Rob and his family will always be welcome visitors to Kenilworth Road. The door is always open. On behalf of the board, I would like to express our sincere thanks to him for two years of tireless work and so many memories, we wish him every success in his future career.”
