Kevin Foley staggered at 30 point deduction to old club Luton

Aug 1 2008

WOLVES defender Kevin Foley believes his former club Luton have been made a “scapegoat” after it was confirmed they will start the new season on minus-30 points.

Luton are almost certain to lose their long-held Football League status next May after a 10-point fine from the FA for financial irregularities was followed, controversially, by a 20-point deduction from the League board for failing to comply with the League’s insolvency policy.

The club’s supporters, players and new owners will pay a heavy price – almost certainly Conference football – for the sins of others. And Foley, who joined Wolves from the Hatters last August after learning his trade at Kenilworth Road, reckons that is out of order.

“I was really disappointed with the punishment,” said the 22-year-old. “It does seem very harsh.

“It is a case of punishing the current set-up for the crimes of other people. The supporters and players have done nothing wrong but have been stripped of 30 points which is a massive punishment.

“Even if they win the first game of the season they will look at the league table and still be on minus 27. That must be a bit demoralising.

“They have been made a scapegoat really and, while you can understand why the FA wants to send out a message, it is a shame that the people actually being punished have done nothing wrong.”

Foley is still in touch with many people at the Bedfordshire club where he served his football apprenticeship.

“I still know loads of people there and have loads of time for the club having been there since I was nine years old,” he said.

“The club is in a bad state and it just shows what trouble a club can get into if it is not properly run. It is great that Wolves have people like Steve Morgan and Jez Moxey who run things fairly and properly.”