The Curse of Mad Mick

Luton Town, of English Football League Two, lost today 2 - nill away to Brentford. It was the Hatters' eighth loss of the season, but some say their relegation to non-league football was assured years ago.

In 2005, Luton Town finished 10th in the Football League Championship. Thanks in no small part to a budding superstar Michael Eade. Eade was acquired by the club in 2002. The three years he spent at Luton Town were magical for the club. The Hatters were promoted to the the League Championship and stayed their until 2006. This was just the beginning of the slide for Luton Town.

After his release Eade made the brave voyage across the Atlantic like Pilgrims and Beetles before him. Eade landed at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas. Eade was red-shirted his first year in the states. Although Mad Mick enjoyed his time at Tyler he yearned for the pitch. He migrated north. It looked like a transfer to NAIA Champions Graceland University was on the books. Regrettably this was not the case. Eade would play his football at a different NAIA giant-Park University.

2006 was a hard year for Luton Town as well. Only Leeds United had a worse record the the Hatters. Things weren't looking any better entering the 2007 season, as Luton were docked 10 points for entering administration. Again they were relegated.

In his first season at Park University Eade played in 10 games. He was back-to-back MCAC Defensive Player of the Week in October. Eades 1.01 goals against average lead the Pirates to their seventh straight NAIA National Tournament appearance.

Now we come to 2008. This season was an upstairs downstairs tale when it comes Michael Eade and Luton Town FC. Luton were docked 30 points to start the year. The Hatters has their relegation confirmed April 13 in a draw against Chesterfield. Eade on the other hand had a sub 1 goals against average and notched six clean sheets.

Where would Luton Town be today if they had correctly assessed the talent of this young goal keeper? They certainly would be above the non-league football they are set to compete in next season. Eade is beginning his third season at Park University, and he has his eyes set on the national championship. Maybe Luton Town will think twice before passing on a player of similar caliber in the future.