Classy Luton Town reaction given to Carlton Morris exploits at Derby County – “I’m just glad”
This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Carlton Morris made the switch from Luton Town to Derby County in the summer following the former’s relegation to League One.
The forward was a prolific goalscorer for the Hatters, but an underwhelming 2024/25 saw him find the back of the net just eight times, as the team finished 22nd in the table.
The 29-year-old has already bettered that tally this season with the Rams, with the forward bagging nine from his first 14 appearances for John Eustace’s side.
Given it is still only November, Derby supporters will be hoping that Morris can maintain this form for the whole campaign and potentially beat his career-high best return of 20 Championship goals, which he scored for Luton in 2022/23.
So far his standout performance came in the Rams’ 3-1 win over Sheffield United, with the striker scoring all three goals.
Carlton Morris deserves to succeed
When asked if it’s frustrating to see Morris already outscore his tally from last season, FLW’s Luton fan pundit Simon Mills claimed that he’s happy for the former Hatter.
He believes the forward is a nice guy and always gave time to supporters, so he’s pleased to see him playing well again despite last year’s disappointing form.
“I don’t really tend to be that bothered about how other players do at other clubs once they’ve left Luton,” Mills told Football League World.
“Carlton Morris is such a nice guy, he was a great character around Luton Town while he was here and scored some really important goals for us.
Carlton Morris’ stats 2025/26 – per Fbref.com (As of Nov. 6th)
Stat
Per 90
Non-penalty goals
0.44
Non-penalty expected goals (npxG)
0.28
Shots
1.60
Assists
0.00
Expected assists (xAG)
0.05
npxG + xAG
0.33
Shot-creating actions
2.40
“But the Premier League relegation hangover last season impacted the whole squad, and there’s just so many factors about why Carlton didn’t get as many goals last season as we know he’s capable of.
“Through injuries and poor morale and whatnot.
“But I’m just glad to see him doing well because he’s a nice guy, who always had time for the fans.”
Derby are now on a four-game winning run that has shot them up to 11th in the Championship table as we approach the final international break this side of the new year.
Morris has scored five times from this four-game streak, including his hat trick against Sheffield United, as well as crucial strikes against QPR and Hull City.
Next up for Eustace’s side is a trip to Ewood Park to face the manager’s former side Blackburn Rovers on 8 November in a 12.30pm kick-off.
Change in surroundings is helping Carlton Morris
The disappointment of relegation from the Premier League hurt a lot of the Luton players last season, but especially Morris, who managed 11 goals in the top flight.
The change in scenery afforded to him at Pride Park has helped him to reset, and he’s clearly rejuvenated now under Eustace.
His recent form has been outstanding, and he’s played a massive role in Derby climbing the table after a disappointing start.
Luton fans should always remember his time at Kenilworth Road fondly, given what he achieved at the club, but it was the right time to move on regardless of their league status.
