Luton captain Tom Lockyer watches team mates bus parade after promotion from hospital

Luton Town player Tom Lockyer watched his team mates celebrate their promotion to the Premier League on television from his hospital bed.

The Hatters sealed their return to the top-flight after a 31-year exodus by beating Coventry City on penalties in Saturday’s Championship play-off final.

However, there were some concerns during the match after captain Lockyer suddenly collapsed during the match.

The defender fell to the floor while running back during the match and received treatment before being carried off the pitch on a stretcher.

As Luton players today celebrated their promotion in a bus parade through the town centre, the club have also posted an update from their captain.

On social media, they shared a picture of Lockyer with his thumbs up, along with the caption: ‘Love you Locks!’

Another picture sees him lying with his leg out in front of him, as he watches news coverage of his team mates’ bus parade through the streets of Luton. 

Thousands of fans gathered in the streets to welcome their heroes after completing a remarkable rise through the divisions to reach the top flight. 

A thrilling finale at Wembley saw victory secure a return to the top flight for Luton for the first time since 1992.

It is a remarkable turnaround given just nine years ago the Hatters ended a five-season stretch in the fifth tier.

Lockyer thanked medical staff for their ‘swift and throrough response’ following his collapse. 

Luton players held up Lockyer’s shirt throughout their celebrations and the captain posted an update on Instagram.

He said: ‘Well not quite where I thought I’d be celebrating at the final whistle.

‘I would just like to say a massive thank you to the amazing physios and doctors at Luton and Wembley for the swift and thorough response.

‘A much scarier moment for everyone else than myself I am sure!

‘Commiserations to Coventry a fantastic opponent over 3 games which had to be decided by penalties.

‘I am currently in hospital under precaution and will stay here overnight for further tests in the morning.

‘I am feeling very much myself, helped by the way the lads left it all out on pitch! It’s such an honour to be part of this team… Premier League baby.’

Manager Rob Edwards admitted emotions were ‘mixed’ afterwards following Lockyer’s collapse.

‘I felt a bit numb. I just made sure I shook Mark’s hand and his staff,’ Edwards said.

‘I don’t want to be that guy that just starts running off and celebrating before I’ve seen the other manager.

‘I just felt very numb. I still do. It hasn’t sunk in quite yet. It might take a few days, but it’s great. It does feel good.

‘It was mixed because of Locks (Lockyer), that’s why I couldn’t really go for it celebrating.’