Tom Lockyer: Luton Town captain taken to hospital after collapsing during Championship play-off final

Tom Lockyer collapsed during the early stages of the play-off final at Wembley
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Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer has thanked medical staff for their “swift and thorough response” after collapsing during his side’s play-off final victory against Coventry.

The skipper fell to the deck unchallenged during the early minutes of the game at Wembley Stadium. He eventually left the pitch on a stretcher. In an update at half-time, Luton Town tweeted: "We are able to report that after collapsing on the pitch, Tom Lockyer has been taken to hospital for further tests. He is responsive and talking to his family, who are with him.

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"We are all with you, Locks." The captain’s dad posted an image of Lockyer in a hospital bed celebrating the shoot-out win. Luton later reshared the image with the caption: “We love you Lockie.”

Tom Lockyer posts update from hospital

In a post share on social media, the Luton captain 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.

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“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.”

Emotions ‘mixed’ for Luton boss after Lockyer’s collapse

Boss Rob Edwards cried with delight when he saw that image and hopes to soon celebrate with the much-loved skipper. “If we can we will (see him in hospital),” he said of Lockyer, who is expected to be kept in overnight. “But I don’t want to get in the way and if I’m not allowed then I won’t.

“If I’m allowed I would love to go and see him, but then I think we’re so tight as a group that I’m not sure if 40-odd people are allowed to go and see him in hospital. We will have to check on that, but I’m just so thankful that he’s OK because that’s all that matters.

“I wasn’t really able to enjoy any celebration at the end because all I cared about was Locks.”

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He added: “I felt a bit numb. I just made sure I shook Mark’s hand and his staff. 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.”

More to follow.

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