Hatters skipper didn't expect Graeme Jones' departure from Kenilworth Road

Hatters skipper Sonny Bradley revealed that the news of Graeme Jones’ departure as manager in April, just 11 months into his reign at Kenilworth Road, came as a complete shock to the Luton players.

With the country a month into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, Town announced that the contract of Jones along with three members of his coaching staff, Gary Brabin, Inigo Idiakez and Imanol Etxeberria, had been terminated by mutual consent in a bid to reduce costs.

Bradley’s team-mate Matty Pearson admitted the players found out via a Zoom call from chief executive Gary Sweet and Bradley confirmed it wasn't something they were expecting to hear.

He said: “It was a bit of a surprise for me and I think it was a surprise for a lot of people.

"I spoke to the majority of the boys at the club and no-one was aware it was happening.

"Gary Sweet came out and said it was a decision made because of finances at the club which I think you’ve got to respect at this time with what’s going on.

“But just before he left, the last couple of months, we hit a bit of form, there was plenty of energy at the club and I thought it was looking good.

“So it was out of the blue, but the club have told us why and we’ve got to move on.”

With Jones back up north during the lockdown, when asked if he had been able to contact Town’s squad to say his goodbyes, Bradley continued: “I haven’t, but he has had individual phone calls with players.

“With everything going on at the minute, it’s impossible for him to get all the boys together and explain what is going on.

“I’m sure when all this is over, he’ll have a chance to speak to the boys and explain the situation.”

Jones had struggled at times in his first managerial job, Town at one point losing 12 away games in a row and going almost two months without a win, as they dropped into the relegation zone.

However, they did improve in the final stages, only losing one in their last six outings, appearing to give themselves a realistic chance of avoiding relegation.

On whether he felt that the former Belgium, West Bromwich Albion, Wigan Athletic and Swansea City assistant had found the transition to becoming a number one in his own right difficult, Bradley added: “That’s a question you would have to ask him to be honest.

“I thought he was really good, he was very, very honest in everything he did and I believe he maxed out.

“He gave 100 per cent to the boys every week whether that was a training session or a game on a Saturday, so I do believe he gave everything and it was difficult.

“There was games where I can hold my hands up and say I do think the players possibly let him down, the Brentford game obviously springs to mind straight away.

“Maybe that was the case, that’s something you’ll have to ask him, I can’t fault him for his efforts whilst he was here.

“He was brilliant with the boys and he gave us his best, from a players point of view you cannot ask for much more than that.”