Panesar and Cook were ready for Saturday's dramatic playoff final. Photo: Sky Sports/Jamie Weir
You may have seen this photo as Alastair Cooke and I walked around Wembley Stadium. We were there on Saturday watching Luton win the playoff final and let me tell you this, it was one of the best days of our lives.
I am Luton to the core . I was born in Luton and Dunstable Hospital, went to school in Luton and played for Bedfordshire. But what you might not know is that Cookie is also a season ticket holder — his father-in-law has supported the club for years and their family are die-hard fans.
I was just as nervous as I was at any other time playing for England, the picture betrays it. And Cookie was too — you can see he had to loosen his orange tie to deal with the tension. So when they won, it was like nothing else.
I will always remember Luton Town being promoted to the Premier League with Cookie in the Royal Box at Wembley. This brought tears to our eyes. Anyone who was close to us had little doubt about who we supported. Cookie commented throughout the first half. On repeat, the words «come on», «now pass» and «run in turn» were repeated.
If you had asked these two former cricketers from England what the half-time score should have been, they would have told you 3-0 without question. So it was a really special moment for Luton to break through the barrier and get promoted to the Premier League.
I started playing cricket at the age of 10. The Luton Town and Indians Cricket Club ground was on Lancaster Avenue. This field belonged to the city council, but we called it «Cricket House». I remember as a child I met David Pleat, the then manager of Luton. He lived nearby in a huge bungalow. He says he remembers seeing me throw at a stump and practice endlessly on the cricket pitch.
Alastair Cook and Monty Panesar — Team England at Luton Town Fan Club. Photo: Getty Images/Tom Dulat
Now we are together in the Royal Suite discussing Luton's chances of reaching the Premier League. “If they get promoted today, it will change the life of the city and the club,” David told me. He was right.
I've also known Gary Sweet, Managing Director, for over 15 years and we became good friends when Luton wasn't in the Football League. These were very difficult times for the club. We received penalty points for financial violations, but Gary did a wonderful job getting the club back to its original place. It's great.
I acknowledge one thing for which I have been heavily criticized. Yes, I also supported Arsenal. But I can explain. When I was growing up, the idea of Luton playing in the top flight really seemed ridiculous. So we all had a local team and a Premier League team. And my team in the Premier League was Arsenal.
But make no mistake… I will be wearing a Luton jersey when I go to the Emirates next year. And if we beat Arsenal, I can't wait to see the look on Piers Morgan's face!
Luton has had its share of problems. But the days of Tommy Robinson, I hope, are in the past. People have ideas about Luton, but I hope they improve next year. Today, Luton is one of the most diverse clubs in the country.
The city is also undergoing transformation. There were several Luton Town and Indians CC members at Wembley. The Orange Army is formed. Seeing your friends in the stands cheering Luton Town was a very special moment.
It was a very different feeling at St George's Square in downtown Luton on Monday during the open bus celebration. It was like winning the World Cup. It was the most uplifting and positive story from Luton in years.
We as a city are so proud of Luton, the club, the players and the manager, and we finally have something to shout about. “Luton is a Premier League team” is just amazing to say. I have been lucky enough to experience many “I was there” moments in my sporting life, but that day at Wembley on 27 May was just that.
And if you go to Kenilworth Road next year, Cookiesee you there.
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