Luton Town facing potential big Matt Bloomfield decision - it may divide Hatters fans | OneFootball

Luton Town could be forced to make a difficult call over Matt Bloomfield's future if results don't improve in the coming weeks.

Luton Town manager Matt Bloomfield is a man under pressure, following an inconsistent start to the season, which has seen them win four and lose four of their first eight League One games.

After coming so close to survival last term, many tipped the Hatters to bounce straight back, and be right at the top of the table competing for the League One title come May.

Whilst there is still plenty of time for this pre-season thesis to be proven correct, the mood around the former Premier League side doesn't seem to be indicative of a side that'll be fighting for promotion this term.

Following a 3-1 defeat to Lincoln City on Saturday, manager Bloomfield and skipper Jordan Clark gave two rather sombre post-match interviews, which were a concerning listen for supporters.

After plenty of backing in the summer, and a squad that is easily one of the very best in the division, fingers have started to be pointed at the man in the dugout, and the Luton hierarchy could be forced into a difficult decision if the poor form continues.

Matt Bloomfield a man under pressure after Luton Town's challenging League One return

It seems that nobody benefitted from the mid-season managerial movement involving Wycombe Wanderers and Luton, with the former sacking Bloomfield's replacement, Mike Dodds, after just seven months, and the latter failing to secure their target of Championship survival under their new man.

The 41-year-old took the reins of a troubled Hatters side following the sacking of Rob Edwards, and despite coming close, he ultimately failed to keep them up, which saw them succumb to their second relegation in as many years.

Now, no fingers were really pointed in Bloomfield's direction for this, as he inherited a mess, and arrived at Kenilworth Road midway through the January transfer window, meaning recruitment plans would be somewhat rushed.

However, the Hatters' hierarchy backed their man heavily in the summer, allowing him to reshape the squad to his liking, and bringing in some marquee signings such as Nahki Wells, Jerry Yates, and Josh Keeley.

Despite several quality additions, Luton have struggled to get going this season, and three defeats in their last four matches has piled the pressure on the man in the dugout, as his tactics have been accused of costing his side matches on social media.

Bloomfield has come under fire for forcing his side into a back three, rather than a back four, which would likely better suit them. He has also been trying to force square pegs in round holes, with the likes of Nigel Lonwijk playing in an unnatural right-wing-back position.

Luton Town may have a tough call to make if poor form continues

Whilst it's still early doors in the season, you can't help but feel that the Luton hierarchy won't exactly be thrilled with their start to the campaign, considering the calibre of players they've brought in for League One level.

However, Bloomfield could still turn this around, and it would be unwise to rule it out given what he achieved at Wycombe, having lost the support of a vast majority of the fanbase in late 2023, after a dismal run of form.

The turnaround will have to start quickly though, as three defeats in the last four, and the persistence of the back three, which doesn't seem to be bringing the best out of his squad, has seen patience wear thin on the ground with the Hatters faithful.

This was a similar story at Adams Park, and once he adapted, Bloomfield and his side never looked back. The hope will be that he realises this sooner rather than later, and starts exploring different ways to get results, just like he did in his previous job.

If not, then the Luton board could be forced to make what would be a difficult and painful decision over his future, as they look to recover from a damaging couple of years after promotion to the Premier League.

The 41-year-old was brought in to be a long-term project manager, and sacking him early into that project would be a bitterly disappointing outcome, which would also set the club right back to square one in their succession plan for Edwards.