Burnley have been relegated from the Premier League after losing at Tottenham, while Luton are almost certain to join them in the second tier.
The Clarets took the lead in North London in a must-wing clash at Spurs but goals from Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven turned the game around and condemned Burnley to defeat – and the Championship.
Burnley waltzed to the Championship title last season but have struggled with an inexperienced squad in the top division. Vincent Kompany believes his team are capable of bouncing back next season.
“I’m very lucky to be surrounded by good people, hardworking players, staff and fans who have backed the club for generations. That’s who we try to do it for every weekend,” Kompany said to BBC Sport.
“Today the Premier League is over but tomorrow we start day one of doing everything we can to get back to the Premier League.
“The game has gone a bit like others have gone for us this season. We created chances but the one where we missed the final pass.
“I’m not here sulking and feeling sorry for us but if you take every game, every season as a learning experience, this is step we need to get into our game.”
Luton are almost certain to join Burnley and Sheffield United in the Championship after losing 3-1 at West Ham. The Hatters are three points behind Nottingham Forest, but have a vastly inferior goal difference and would require a win, Forest defeat, and 13-goal swing on the final day.
Rob Edwards reflected on the loss and said the ‘fire is burning’ to earn promotion back into the Premier League next season.
“I’m an emotional person and walking over to our supporters and seeing their reaction brought me to tears. The love and affection they have given us, which goes both ways and is unique in football these days. I feel devastated, I didn’t want to let anyone down and I feel responsible. I thanked the players and staff, they’ve given me the best 18 months of my life.
“We brought a certain spirit, the underdog factor and we changed opinions of ourselves as we went. What makes me proud is how much we have improved in the hardest league in the world.
“We have some what ifs but I’m not making excuses. Every team who goes down will have them. We have fallen short but we have to learn and keep improving.
“I am learning all the time and there is more I don’t know than I do know. I’ve loved going up against the best and it makes me hungry to be here again. The fire is burning.”
