I'll take the flak from angry fans, vows Thorpe

Luton have had their fair share of hate figures over the years, whether they be the Millwall rioters or anyone connected with Watford, but Tony Thorpe is the current public enemy No1.

The 29-year-old striker returns to Kenilworth Road with Queens Park Rangers tomorrow and can expect a hostile reception.

Thorpe's decision to leave Luton as they struggled to come out of administration last month was taken as a sign of betrayal, particularly given the size of the fee.

Luton received just £50,000 for a player who has twice been transferred for almost £ 1million, yet again revealing the financial plight of smaller clubs. Not since Elton John was spotted shoe shopping in the old town has Luton's rentamob had such an easy target. Thorpe has missed Rangers' last two games with an ankle injury but should be fit to face his old club.

He said: "I'm expecting fireworks. Luton don't like QPR for some reason and it'll be a hectic game. I tried to explain my side but supporters only see things from one point of view.

"I've no animosity against Luton. I know the fans were a bit upset that I left but I've got to pay my mortgage like anyone else. It was difficult with Luton being in administration and I felt the time was right to move to a bigger club. I've been blamed and pilloried by a lot of people but I've got broad shoulders and I can take it." Thorpe's paltry fee says more about the decline of the transfer market than his depreciating value as a player.