Luton Town will start the 2024/25 Championship season with a clash against fellow relegated side Burnley.
The contest between two of the three teams demoted from last season’s Premier League will be played on the opening weekend of the season, with the two teams facing off at Kenilworth Road on Monday August 12th 2024.
The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, as part of the broadcaster’s deal to show more games in the new season. All fixtures in the upcoming season’s opening weekend in the three EFL divisions will be broadcast live on Sky.
Burnley took 4 points off Luton last season, winning at Kenilworth Road before the two sides drew at Turf Moor. The return fixture will take place in March.
After hosting the Clarets, Luton’s opening month of the season will see them travel to face last season’s League One champions Portsmouth at Fratton Park. They will then face another trip to Preston North End by ending August with a home game against QPR.
September will follow this up with games against Millwall, Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield Wednesday.
Over the Christmas period, Luton will play Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Boxing Day, with Rob Edwards’ side hosting Derby County in their last game before Christmas on December 21st.
The Hatters’ final game of 2024 will be away at Swansea City, before they begin 2025 on New Year’s Day by welcoming Norwich to Kenilworth Road.
Luton’s 2024/25 season concludes on May 3rd with a game against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns, with their home programme ending by taking on Coventry City the week before.
Two games of interest will be Luton’s reunions with local rivals Watford, who they will take on for the latest chapter in a spiky regional rivalry.
The first contest will take place in October, and Luton will host first when they welcome Watford to Kenilworth Road on October 19th, with the return fixture at Vicarage Road scheduled for late February.
All fixtures beyond the opening weekend are provisionally scheduled, with all games subject to potential alterations.
Under the new deal, Sky are pledging to broadcast all EFL teams at least 20 times in the upcoming season, with a first round of dates to be confirmed in the next few weeks.
The Parks Trust has joined forces with local nature groups to celebrate Milton Keynes’ natural world in events for Love Nature Day.
Aiming to bring local people closer to nature, Love Nature Day returns to Howe Park Wood on Saturday 6th July with lots of fun crafts and activities to enjoy between 12pm – 4pm.
On the day, visitors can learn about bees and many other fascinating creatures as local wildlife organisations showcase the positive changes supporting the local natural environment.
Confirmed to be joining The Parks Trust are The Wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation, North Bucks Bat Group, Wolverton Swifts, RSPB, Natural History Museum Tring, and MK Natural History Society.
Patrons could also explore the woods on a guided tour led by The Parks Trust Biodiversity specialists, spotting plants, birds, and butterflies – with BSL interpretation available.
There’ll be storytelling and face painting for younger family members, and plenty of open space for everyone to sit back and relax with live music from Pantasy Steel Drum Band. Plus, a chance to practise mindfulness in nature with Starshine Yoga sessions.
Julie Dawes, Events & Community Engagement Manager for The Parks Trust said, “Love Nature Day always buzzes with excitement, for all ages! Our communities love learning about the local environment and wildlife, with our amazing partner organisations, especially in the special surroundings of Howe Park Wood. It’s one not to be missed!”
Love Nature Day is free to attend, please check activity schedules on The Parks Trust website to avoid disappointment. Remember, children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Facilities available include toilets and changing facilities, and refreshments are available at the Grounds Café.
Howe Park Wood provides a safe home to many endangered animal and plant species and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wildlife value by Natural England.
Defender Warren O’Hora will join Scottish side Hibernian on a free transfer after leaving MK Dons.
The 25-year-old has signed a 3 year deal at Easter Road to join the Edinburgh-based club from 1st July when his MK Dons contract expires.
O’Hora’s departure after 4 years with the Dons was confirmed a few weeks ago, with O’Hora released by MK Dons.
The Irishman had joined MK Dons from Brighton in 2020 on loan before making the deal a full one in 2021.
O’Hora left after making 160 appearances in all competitions for the Dons, including 51 in the just-completed 2023/24 season.
He joins a side that finished 8th in last season’s Scottish Premiership.
O’Hora told the club’s internal channel Hibs TV of his delight to make the move to Scotland.
He said, “I’m delighted to be here. I couldn’t believe it when the call came to be honest.
“It was excitement and a small bit of disbelief that a club this size wanted to come and sign me.
“I came up and saw the facilities, the stadium was amazing, the city of Edinburgh is lovely; I was really taken aback by it. I couldn’t say no, it was a no brainer for me and my family. I am really happy and really looking forward to it.”
Defender Cameron Norman has signed a deal with Tranmere Rovers after leaving MK Dons.
The defender has signed a two-year deal with the side from Merseyside, which will see him move immediately.
Norman had been retained by MK Dons after last season, but has been allowed to make the move to Prenton Park.
The defender had joined MK Dons from Newport County last summer, and made 43 appearances in all competitions for the side from Stadium MK, playing either as a right-back or right-sided centre-back.
Tranmere Manager Nigel Adkins told the club’s official website of his delight to confirm that he had been able to confirm Norman, who is Rovers’ latest signing ahead of the new season.
He said, “Cameron Norman further strengthens our squad and the ambition we have.
“He is a consistent and reliable player with a hunger to improve we are delighted he has joined us and are looking forward to working with him.”
In a brief statement confirming his departure, MK Dons said, “Norman was the second signing of the summer last year and supported the Dons with 43 appearances throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
“The club would like to thank Norman for all his efforts during the most-recent season and wish him all the best for the future.”
Police have released an e-fit image as part of their appeal for witnesses in connection with an indecent exposure and voyeurism incident in Milton Keynes.
The incident happened when a man indecently exposed himself in a disabled car parking bay at Centre:MK shopping centre between 3pm and 3.30pm on Tuesday 25 April.
The victim, who was a woman in her seventies, was in her car with a friend when the offender walked past and smiled at them.
He then indecently exposed himself and carried out a voyeuristic act. The victim then reversed her car and left.
The offender, depicted in the e-fit image released by Thames Valley Police, is described as a man of mixed heritage and around 28-years-old.
He is described as young looking with full cheeks and no facial hair, straight black hair, slightly receding at the front with wrinkles on his forehead and straight eyebrows.
Investigating officer Charlie Mauger said, “I am appealing for anyone who recognises the individual depicted by this e-fit to please come forward.
“Anyone with information can contact police by making a report online or by calling 101, quoting reference 43240221232.
“Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.”