Luton consider Trophy ban appeal

Luton Town are considering an appeal against the Football League's decision to deny them the chance to defend the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

The Hatters beat Scunthorpe to win the competition at Wembley in April but were subsequently relegated into non-league football.

The League wants to restrict the Trophy to just League One and Two clubs.

The Football League has excluded Luton from next season's competition because they fear it will set a precedent.

In a letter written to Hatters managing director Gary Sweet, the League said: "Luton Town's application to play in the 2009/10 Johnstone's Paint Trophy has been turned down by the board following detailed consideration.

To refuse the club entry into a competition we fully embraced and ultimately won in front of 42,000 of our own supporters, makes it even more galling.

Luton Town managing director Gary Sweet

"It is reasonably likely that a future winner will also gain promotion to the Championship in the same season and in the board's view this competition should remain the exclusive domain of League One and Two clubs."

Sweet replied: "Everyone at Luton Town is hugely saddened by the Football League's verdict.

"To refuse the club entry into a competition we fully embraced and ultimately won in front of 42,000 of our own supporters, makes it even more galling.

"However, we are considering an appeal against the decision and hope the League will reconsider."

It means the club will now take part in three cup competitions, instead of four, next season.

The Hatters will be making their first ever appearances in both the FA Trophy and Setanta Shield, and will enter the FA Cup at the fourth qualifying round stage.