camera never lies - part 2
Roger Wash delves into some of the best photographs from the Hatters' Heritage archives - part 2.
whites vs reds
From pre-war days right up until 1954, the Town did not play pre-season friendlies at home against other sides, but instead put on a 'Whites v Reds' practice match, or sometimes two.
This enabled the fans to see new signings as well as up and coming youth players and gave the management the chance to assess players in different positions.
The games were never particularly well attended, as seen from this 1940s shot, as they did not give the supporters many clues as to the likely first team line-up.
back of the queue, winston!
Hatters fans line up for tickets for the forthcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal in 1952.
It looks like Winston Churchill has been told to go to the back of the queue!
hugh billington on target
Hugh Billington fires home the only goal of the game against Newport at Kenilworth Road in May 1946.
In this, the last of the war-time seasons, money was very tight with cut-backs needing to be made as shown by the daisies growing on the pitch.
an appeal in vain
Ron Futcher and Peter Anderson appeal for a goal during the Town's visit to Portsmouth in September 1975. Camera evidence reveals that the ball has not crossed the line but the disappointment is short-lived, as goals from Adrian Alston and Andy King secure a 2-0 victory in this Division 2 (now Championship) match.
snowscene
A picture to warm the cockles of your heart! The Town take on Nottingham Forest in a Division Two (now Championship) game at Kenilworth Road during the bad winter of 1947.
the perfect penalty
The perfect penalty! Kevin Gallen slots the ball home from the spot during the 4-3 win at the Abbey Stadium in 2009. The Town trailed 2-0 and had striker Liam Hatch sent-off before storming back to triumph in a game that also saw Jake Howells score his first senior goal.
conboy has a go
Action from the Town's 5-1 win over York at Kenilworth Road on the final day of the 1966/67 campaign.
Pictured is the lesser spotted Frank Conboy who made 19 appearances that season after becoming George Martin's last signing before he handed the managerial hot-seat over to Allan Brown.
Conboy, who was signed from Chelsea, was making his final Luton appearance that afternoon as were Bobby Thomson and a certain David Pleat.
a win at last
Jim Ryan is congratulated after scoring the Town's third goal in a 3-1 home victory over Carlisle in a top flight clash in September 1974.
Former Hatter Alan Ross, in the Carlisle goal, looks disconsolate.
The effort, from the spot, clinched the Town's first win of the season at the 10th time of asking and came minus top scorer Barry Butlin who had been sold to Nottingham Forest on the morning of the match.
glum visitors?
Ricky Hill, in later years, is congratulated after scoring against Everton at Kenilworth Road in a 2-1 win in September 1987.
I wonder if the two young men standing at the front of the crowd are Evertonians who had by-passed the 'strict' home fans only policy of the time? They certainly look glum.
IN TRAINING
Luton manager Allan Brown puts the players through their pre-season paces in the summer of 1968.
Graham French (far left) has no doubt returned two stone overweight as normal and needs to wear a full tracksuit with probably bin liners underneath!
More great photos from the archive to come in part 3....