Luton captain Tom Lockyer expressed his gratitude to the medical staff for their “swift and thorough response” after he collapsed during his team’s Sky Bet Championship play-off final win against Coventry.
During the match, while running back, the defender suddenly fell to the ground and received immediate treatment from the medical team. He was subsequently carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
After the game ended 1-1 following extra time, with goals from Jordan Clark and Gustavo Hamer, Luton secured Premier League football for the next season with a 6-5 victory in the penalty shootout.
Not sure what happened with Tom Lockyer but this looked pretty scary pic.twitter.com/bYjRALETNx
— Noah Robson (@noahrobson_) May 27, 2023
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Lockyer thanked the medical staff and acknowledged their quick and comprehensive actions. Throughout the team’s celebrations, his teammates held up his shirt in a show of support and solidarity.
He said: “Well not quite where I thought I’d be celebrating at the final whistle!
A tribute from Luton Town for their teammate Tom Lockyer 🧡 pic.twitter.com/q3XsAvSF6a
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 27, 2023
“I would just like to say a massive thank you to the amazing physios and doctors at Luton and Wembley for the swift and thorough response.
“A much scarier moment for everyone else than myself I am sure!
“Commiserations to Coventry a fantastic opponent over 3 games which had to be decided by penalties.
“I am currently in hospital under precaution and will stay here overnight for further tests in the morning.
“I am feeling very much myself, helped by the way the lads left it all out on pitch! It’s such an honour to be part of this team.. Premier League baby.”
A thrilling finale at Wembley saw victory secure a return to the top flight for Luton for the first time since 1992.
Tom Lockyer's father shared this image of Luton's captain celebrating their Premier League promotion from hospital.
— SOCCER WORLD (@godofheadys) May 28, 2023
Great to see him in good spirits after he collapsed on the pitch at Wembley 🥰🥰❤️#LFC pic.twitter.com/auex0ELVme
It is a remarkable turnaround given just nine years ago the Hatters ended a five-season stretch in the fifth tier, but manager Rob Edwards admitted emotions were “mixed” afterwards following Lockyer’s collapse.
“I felt a bit numb. I just made sure I shook Mark’s hand and his staff,” Edwards said.
“I don’t want to be that guy that just starts running off and celebrating before I’ve seen the other manager.
“I just felt very numb. I still do. It hasn’t sunk in quite yet. It might take a few days, but it’s great. It does feel good.
“It was mixed because of Locks (Lockyer), that’s why I couldn’t really go for it celebrating.”