After, earlier this week, delving into the Luton career of Matt Tees, I’ve decided to run an occasional series on players who can deservedly be described as legends.
In running this series, I’d appreciate some income from our readership in nominating players they would like to see covered.
The first player I’ve chosen to feature is one John Moore, centre-back who impressed me during my early days of going to Kenilworth Road which, in itself, was quite an achievement considering that like most youngsters, we all wanted to be strikers.
John was born in Scotland and in his early days developed his skills with North Motherwell Athletic and then Motherwell, before moving south to, after just three matches for the Fir Park based club, Luton Town, in 1965.
It wasn’t until 1967, two years later, that I became, courtesy of being taken by my dad, a regular attendee at Kenilworth Road. Moore wasn’t like other defenders, slender in physique compared to those he played alongside, he was more than a match for most of the opponents he came up against.
Whilst on the books of the Hatters, Moore made 274 league appearances and more than played his part in helping Luton Town climb from Division 4 to Division 2. In the 274 appearances he made, he scored on 13 occasions, but can anybody remember any of them? Unfortunately, I was too young to do so.
Sadly, his time at Kenilworth Road came to an end in 1972 when a loan spell with Brighton and Hove Albion then saw him move to Northampton Town, but, by far the bulk of his playing career was with the Hatters.
But Moore was not finished with Luton, when David Pleat was in charge, he opted to bring John back to Kenilworth Road as a coach. His abilities, off the field, meant that when Pleat left the club, the board decided to appoint Moore as the new manager.
Sadly, Moore only lasted the one season as the Luton manager, despite taking Luton Town to a best ever top-flight finish, 7th place, John opted to resign, it seems that management wasn’t something he felt comfortable in.
But still Luton Town were not finished with John, in 1991, he embarked on a third stint with the club, returning as a coach, a position he held down until 1991 when, with him reaching 60, he chose to retire.
A remarkable player, a decent manager and an excellent coach, John Moore really does deserve to be labelled a Luton Town FC legend.
Full Name – John Moore
Date of Birth – 21-Dec-1943
Place of Birth – Harthill, Scotland
Position – Defender
Youth Career – North Motherwell Athletic
Career – Motherwell, Luton Town, Brighton and Hove Albion (loan), Northampton Town
Managerial Career – Luton Town
As I said earlier in the text, please feel free to nominate any former Luton player you believe deserves to feature in this ongoing series and also enlighten us to your thoughts about the legend that is John Moore, in the comment facility beneath this article.
COYH’s
Luton Town v Cardiff City?
Luton Town to Win!
Cardiff City to Win!
A Draw!
Previous article by Mad Hatter
I started watching LTFC in 1966 – Brian Lewis was my hero and a true legend in my eyes in those early days of watching Luton
Noted, one to look at methinks
I think you said everything about jm except he was also a legend as a pundit on radio for years as well. He never pulled punches and said what he thought an was a great listen.
he was tough as old boots .loved his radio commentaries, said what he thought. true legend. brian lewis is a good subject. reminds me of luke berry ,tricky little player. when you think of players he played with back then,french, supermac, rioch, etc. you had to be good to get on the team sheet. great times. COYH.
I seem to remember John scoring at the OAK road end in 1971 against Hull who were promotion rivals that season.
How about Freddie Jardine as a Luton legend who like John Moore came to Luton when we were in Division 4 near the bottom and saw us go into Division 2.
The Division 4 team that won the Division 4 title is still my favourite Luton side.
I’ll put Freddie on the list, good choice
I remember sitting in a classroom at Challney watch him walk home along stoneygate drive
How about adding Ray witticker or mal donaghy Tony read Bruce rioch
Just seen the diabolical decision that we are about to sign Walton on a permanent deal whilst allowing isted to go there on loan. I cannot make sense of that decision it still leaves us short??? Plus do the new manager an team not rate isted?? Surely with no clue as to when shea will be fit it makes no sense.
Not sure what the logic is with this one!
I remember John Moore’s 1971 Hull goal – a superb shot from the edge of the area in the pouring rain. Pretty sure we won 3-2.