THE NUMBERS' game is beginning to pay off for Luton, with manager Joe Kinnear cashing in, literally, after being given the money to fund a promotion bid.

He has already brought in 12 new players, the highest number of new recruits Luton fans have seen in more than 20 years.

The Hatters have regained top place in the Third Division, thanks to a combination of figures that make supporters blink in disbelief. And Kinnear thinks they will add up to promotion.

For instance, 30 goals from the first 13 league games of the season make Luton leading scorers in the Third Division, as well as the only team to hit the net in every league game.

Their goals have come from 14 different players, and no other club in the division can match that.

And perhaps most remarkably of all, Luton have already used 26 players in their 13 league games to date, mainly because of a horrendous injury list in the past month or so.

Long-time fans are still wondering about that statistic; not for many years have Luton had 26 players capable of performing well in the first team.

But that strength in depth, says Kinnear, is the major reason he and the supporters should feel confident that promotion can be achieved.

"I have got 14 players on the injured list, ten of whom would be in contention for first team places," he said.

"To maintain our place at the top end of the table in circumstances like that highlights the dramatic improvement in the depth of our squad this year. Players have come in to do a job, and staked their claims for regular places.

"When everyone's fit it will be a lovely problem deciding which is our best 16."

Additions to the winning numbers game at Scunthorpe last week were first goals for Luton by Adrian Forbes and Russ Perrett on a day when new signing Ahmet Brkovic made his debut as a second-half sub during Luton's 2-0 victory.

On Saturday, Rochdale, level on points with the Hatters, but behind on goal difference, are the visitors to Kenilworth Road.

October 19, 2001 12:59