With the full buyout secured, Duke wasted no time laying out his vision to JacknStones. He understood that the 1990s would transform football forever. The Premier League's launch in 1992 promised unprecedented revenue—but only for clubs that remained in the top flight. For Luton Town, the immediate goal was simple but critical: survive the 1990–91 and 1991–92 seasons in the First Division. Relegation could be catastrophic, cutting the club off from the Premier League's golden gate.
Off the pitch, Duke's first priority was infrastructure. Kenilworth Road, while historic, needed urgent upgrades to meet post-Hillsborough safety regulations.
As the new season loomed, Duke stood alone in the empty stands of Kenilworth Road, watching the groundsmen meticulously prepare the pitch.
Duke:
"Dean, the first thing I need you to do—contact an infrastructure company. Start stadium repairs immediately. We can't expand capacity right now, but we can improve the environment and services for the fans. The better it looks, the better it feels."
Dean:
"Okay, sir. I'll get on it right away."
Duke:
"Also, bring me the squad list."
Dean returned moments later with the papers.
Luton Town Squad — 1990-91
Goalkeepers:
Alec Chamberlain (England, 27)
Andy Petterson (Australia, 26)
Defenders:
John Dreyer (England, 27)
Richard Harvey (England, 22)
Matt Jackson (England, 19)
Marvin Johnson (England, 22)
Julian James (England, 21)
Dave Beaumont (Scotland, 27)
Graham Rodger (Scotland, 24)
Darren Salton (Scotland, 22)
Paul Telfer (Scotland, 22)
Midfielders:
Darron McDonough (England, 28)
David Preece (England, 28)
Ceri Hughes (Wales, 20)
Mark Pembridge (Wales, 20)
Jason Rees (Wales, 21)
Kingsley Black (Northern Ireland, 23)
Danny Wilson (Northern Ireland, 22)
Forwards:
Mick Harford (England, 27)
Sean Farrell (England, 22)
Brian Stein (England, 28)
Kurt Nogan (Wales, 20)
Iain Dowie (Northern Ireland, 26)
Paul Gray (Northern Ireland, 21)
Lars Elstrup (Denmark, 28)
Duke scanned the list in silence. Too big. Too many names. Too much dead weight.
Duke (thinking):
This squad is bloated. Not enough quality. Some of these lads just aren't up to standard. Time to streamline.
Duke:
"Dean, go start on the stadium. I'll call you later."
Dean:
"Alright, sir."
[Two Hours Later]
Dean returned to the office. Duke handed him a list—names scribbled, underlined, some even crossed out twice.
Duke:
"Dean. These are the players we're letting go. Try to sell them. Get whatever money you can back."
Dean took the list, eyes widening as he read name after name.
Dean:
"Sir… this many players? If we clear this many, then who's left?"
Duke (firmly):
"Don't worry about that. Let me handle the transfers."
Dean:
"Alright, sir…"