Exclusive: Don Goodman reveals exciting Luton Town prediction | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively to FLW, Goodman was in no doubt about his assessment of the Hatters' chances next season.

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has backed Luton Town to be automatic promotion contenders in League One next season - despite the Hatters suffering back-to-back relegations from the Premier League.

Luton became the fourth club in the Premier League era to experience consecutive relegations after a season in the top-flight.

Their relegation from the Championship was confirmed on the final day of the 2024/2025 season - Luton needed to match Hull City's result at Portsmouth or better that of three other teams - Preston, Derby and Stoke. They were beaten 5-3 by West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.

Regardless of their division, Town will receive £39m across two years in parachute payments - but as they dropped down again, it costs the Premier League an extra £4.5m in solidarity payments - as per The Athletic.

Luton Town expected to get automatic promotion out of League One

Former Premier League striker Don Goodman believes Luton's financial power compared to those around them - along with the managerial experience from Matt Bloomfield - will be the deciding factors as Luton look to bounce back from another relegation.

Speaking exclusively to FLW, Goodman was in no doubt about his assessment of the Hatters' chances next season.

Goodman told FLW, "Unequivocally yes. Luton Town will be fighting for automatic promotion next season, obviously Plymouth Argyle and Cardiff City came down, you’ve got the likes of Stockport who were excellent last season and will probably go again.

"Bolton, Huddersfield, Barnsley - these are all clubs that are going to aspire, but there’s no doubt that Luton have the financial advantage, the financial clout.

"Matt Bloomfield has all the experience at that level to know what it’s going to take and I would expect their recruitment is going to be very good.

"They will be an attractive proposition for anybody to join in what everybody will expect to be a very very successful season for Luton Town."

Goodman's words do recognise the strength of competition Luton will face next season. The presence of the other relegated sides will certainly add a lot of quality to the division - while current League One clubs will want to build on their recent season/s.

Fierce battle for League One promotion expected for Luton Town

Stockport County have emerged as a somewhat impressive force - having achieved promotion from League Two and subsequently establishing themselves as genuine contenders - reaching the 2024/2025 playoff semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Bradford City's recent promotion from League Two provides another example of how clubs can build momentum between divisions - with the gap between League Two and One proving manageable for clubs who prepare well - like Wrexham who achieved their third successive promotion.

The likes of earlier mentioned Bolton Wanderers, Huddersfield Town and Barnsley - all represent clubs with fairly recent Championship experience who will want to be up there again.

Goodman's confidence in Luton's financial position and manager suggests the Hatters are well-positioned to succeed in what will definietly be a competitive environment.