English Premier League promotion, relegation: Tom Lockyer celebrates Luton Town promotion from hospital bed after collapse

The club captain was stretchered off the pitch early in the first half after appearing to collapse.

But after the Hatters won the clash by beating Coventry after a penalty shootout, Lockyer was still able to celebrate.

His dad, Steve, shared an incredible photo from the hospital room that he was in at the moment Luton won.

Steve then gave a positive update on his son’s health.

He wrote: “Tom’s Dad here. Tom is ok.

“Very happy but so sad he can’t be there with his team-mates. Here is the moment…….”

And fans loved the update as one wrote: “Fantastic and the most important news, wishing him well, congratulations!”

A second said: “Great to see that Tom is doing ok. I’m absolutely buzzing for him and can’t wait to see him in the Premier League next season, amazing!”

While a third added: “Great to see the joy. Thoughts are with the Lockyer family still, even in this moment of joy. Get well soon!”

Lockyer later posted the same pic to his own Instagram with a touching tribute to the medical staff and his team-mates.

He wrote: “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 @ltfc_official and Wembley for the swift and thorough response.

“A much scarier moment for everyone else than myself I am sure!

“Commiserations to @coventrycityfcofficial 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.

“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.”

Both teams’ medical staff attended to Lockyer after collapsing off the ball on the Wembley pitch.

He was then given oxygen but was conscious as he was stretchered to the medical room at the Stadium.

It was later confirmed that he was with his parents before being taken to hospital for further tests.

ROBBIE SLATER’S GUIDE TO EPL RELEGATION FINAL-DAY FIGHT

The feeling of surviving a relegation battle can be just as good as the joy involved with winning the title.

Having experienced both situations during my time in the English Premier League, the relief that sweeps over you when you avoid the drop is enormous and comparable to the euphoria that comes topping the table.

While Southampton’s relegation is already confirmed, much to my sadness as a former Saint, three clubs – Everton, Leicester City and Leeds – will be fighting for their survival on Monday morning (AEST).

As is always the case, all matches in the final round of the EPL season are being played at the same time, which just adds the drama and suspense.

Of the three teams, Everton’s fate is totally in their own hands.

The Toffees are in 17th spot and two points ahead of both Leicester and Leeds.

Therefore if Everton beat Bournemouth, which I’m tipping to happen, they will be safe regardless of what Leicester and Leeds do in their games.

However, should Everton draw or lose, Leicester – who have a better goal difference that the Toffees – will stay up if they can record a home win over another one of my old teams, West Ham.

It’s tougher for Leeds, who have the worst goal difference of the three teams. They may need a big home win over Spurs to have any chance of surviving.

Whichever two teams do join Southampton in going down to the second-tier English Championship, it’s a lesson that nothing can be taken for granted.

Leicester, who captured the hearts of football fans worldwide in 2016 in defying massive odds to win the title and backed it up in 2021 by winning the FA Cup final, have suffered a massive fall from grace.

It will be a shame for Socceroos defender Harry Souttar, who only moved to the club in January from Championship club Stoke City on a five-year deal.

Unless results go his team’s way on Monday morning, Souttar will be heading back to the second-tier of English football must sooner that what he would have hoped.

Originally published as English Premier League promotion, relegation: Tom Lockyer celebrates Luton Town promotion from hospital bed after collapse