In one of the most emotional post-match interviews of the season, Luton Town manager Rob Edwards was left in tears after seeing a picture of captain Tom Lockyer celebrating their promotion from his hospital bed.
Lockyer collapsed in the opening stages of Saturday afternoon's Championship play-off final against Coventry City.
With nobody around him, the 28-year-old Wales international fell to the ground just 12 minutes into the game at Wembley.
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He was treated by medical staff before being rushed to a local hospital, where he was confirmed as responsive after undergoing a series of tests.
A statement from Luton read: “He is responsive and talking to his family, who are with him. We are all with you, Locks.”
The Hatters went on to secure promotion to England's top flight after beating Coventry in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
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And after the full-time whistle, Tom Lockyer's father, Steve, posted a picture of the Luton defender from his hospital bed. "Tom is ok," he confirmed in a tweet. "Very happy but so sad he can’t be there with his team mates. Here is the moment."
Moments later and Sky Sports grabbed Luton boss Rob Edwards to give him the positive update from hospital.
Edwards, who is the first manager in history to be sacked by a Championship club and earn promotion to the Premier League in the very same season, was almost lost for words as he processed the picture.
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“It feels incredible but the only thing I’m thinking of right now is Tom Lockyer," Edwards said. "He’s been immense for us this season. Health and family is the most important thing and I don’t care right now until he is alright – I know he’s alright.
"A few of the guys have spoken to him in hospital. He’s getting really well looked after. That’s where my head is at the moment. It felt a little bit wrong to celebrate at the time. I just felt emotional."
He went on: “I’ve got to say huge credit to Mark Robins and Coventry, and commiserations.
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"I know how much they’ve been through and the job he’s done has been incredible. It was so tight. You’ve not been able to separate us over three games, all the way to penalties. He deserves so much credit. The job he’s done, I couldn’t have done that. I know they’ll be back stronger. Unbelievable fanbase, an amazing club. It was our day but I do feel for them as well.
“I am incredibly proud of my group of players. For Locks, who’s been our best player this season, to go off after four or five minutes, for the lads then to organise themselves, deal with seeing their captain coming off like that emotionally in this atmosphere on the biggest day they dealt with that so well. Our performance after that in the first half was incredible.”
Here's how social media reacted to Edwards' emotional post-match interview at Wembley.
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One fan said: "One of the best interviews you’ll find this year. Humble. Together. Winning. Congrats to Rob and Luton on reaching the promised land," while another wrote: Amazing interview, amazing bloke."
A third commented: "Every time I've heard Rob Edwards speak, he just reiterates the fact, that's he's a top bloke. Hope he goes on to have a great career."
A fourth added: "That bloody hayfever again."
Lockyer posted an emotional update to his Instagram, hours after the final whistle.
"Well not quite where I thought I’d be celebrating at the final whistle," he wrote. "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 three 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."
Topics: EFL Championship, Premier League
Jack Kenmare