Ian Feuer                                                                     By Lutonfc.com Question and Answer Session

We asked for YOUR questions for the giant American goalkeeper Ian Feuer - a former Luton Town player and a huge fans' favourite. 

Feuer joined the Hatters on a three-month loan in September 1995 from West Ham United. After enjoying much success in 14 League matches for Luton, the club purchased his contract outright in December for £600,000. Feuer would experience a great run at Luton, in fact being named "Fans’ Player of the Year" for the 1995-96 season. His success at Luton would continue until August 1997, when he tore a muscle in his shoulder in a match against Southend United. The injury brought to a halt his impressive streak of 90 consecutive League appearances. Sidelined by injury, Feuer was forced to watch as England Under-21 International goalkeeper Kelvin Davis assumed goalkeeping duties and played well enough that when Feuer returned to fitness, he would be sold to the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer in March of 1998, much to the disappointment of the Luton supporters.

Still fondly remembered as a great goalkeeper and a very nice person who always had time for the fans, Feuer is in fact such a hero that he only came behind legends Les Sealey and Ron Baynham in the Greatest-Ever Luton Town XI poll conducted by Lutonfc.com recently.

If you need reminding of exactly how good Ian Feuer was, then you can view an exclusive video of him in action found on his Official Website by clicking HERE.

Here are YOUR questions and Ian Feuer's answers: -

Daniel Chapman asked: “Who was the best player that you played with at Luton and who was your best opponent?”

Ian Feuer's Answer:  HI DANIEL - THE BEST PLAYER I PLAYED WITH AT LUTON WAS STEVE DAVIS. I REALLY ENJOYED PLAYING IN THE SAME TEAM TOGETHER. HE WAS SOLID IN THE AIR, A LEADER, AND SCORED A FEW GOALS AS WELL! I ALWAYS FELT HE DESERVED A CRACK AT THE PREMIERSHIP. THE BEST OPPONENT? WHILE WITH LUTON, NOBODY REALLY STOOD OUT FOR ME, AND I DON’T MEAN THAT IN AN ARROGANT WAy, BUT I DON’T REMEMBER BEING “SCARED” OF ANYONE.  IN THE PREMIERSHIP I PLAYED AGAINST HASSELBAINK A FEW TIMES AND HE WAS SCARY! HE HAS ONE OF THE HARDEST SHOTS I HAVE EVER FACED - AND WITHOUT ANY RUN UP - SO ITS HARD TO GET SET FOR IT! ZOLA COMES IN AT A CLOSE SECOND!!

We had an influx of questions from Hatters fans asking whether Ian would return to Kenilworth Road.  Jason asked: “I think you were the best Luton goalkeeper of all time, and would love you to come back – is there any chance of it happening?”  Likewise, Chris asked: “Would you ever consider a return to Luton?”  Angie Duffy asked: “I was a great fan of yours as our "Yankee Number One" and I just want to know what are the chances of you playing in our Number One jersey again?”  Big Bopper asked: “Where are you now career wise? And what do you think of the current situation at Luton?” and then Darren Brown submitted a rather long-winded question (!) and said: “Ian, I’d love to see you back at Luton in the future - hopefully this season!  You were the best keeper I’ve ever seen in a Luton Town shirt and it was great for us fans to do the "Feuer wave"  Will you ever come back?  I met you outside C&A in the Arndale Centre a few seasons ago when you were there to sign autographs. You signed one for me to give to my younger sister saying, "Get well soon".  By the way, she turns 18 tomorrow and she still has your autographed photo.  I am surprised Joe Kinnear & Mick Harford haven't resigned you yet? Hopefully, you'll be back someday. Thank you for the memories and the saves and congratulations on representing your country, the good old U S of A.”  Finally, Louis Fry asked: “Why did you leave Luton? Do you think about coming back?”

Ian Feuer's Answer:  HI JASON ,DARREN, LOUIS, CHRIS AND ANGIE.  THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!! LET ME TELL YOU THAT ONE OF THE BIGGEST REGRETS I HAVE WAS “LEAVING” LUTON!! I NEVER WANTED TO LEAVE, BUT AT THE TIME THINGS WERE DIFFERENT AND AFTER LONG DISCUSSIONS WITH THE THEN MANAGER, I FELT MY TIME WAS LIMITED AND THAT WE WERE ON TWO DIFFERENT WAVE LENGTHS. A LOT OF IT WAS MY FAULT! I WAS SO PASSIONATE ABOUT THE CLUB! EVERY LITTLE THING THAT WENT WRONG WITH IT GOT TO ME!  I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS INJURED AND WAS WATCHING THE DERBY AGAINST W@#$#RD.  WHEN WE LOST 0-4 (OUCH! THAT HURT TO TYPE THAT!) I WAS SO FRUSTRATED AT NOT BEING ABLE TO BE OUT THERE, AND IT AFFECTED ME FOR WEEKS!  I HAVE LEARNED FROM IT SINCE AND HAVE BECOME A THOUSAND TIMES BETTER FOR IT, BUT TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION ON WHETHER I WOULD COME BACK?  IN A SECOND!!  I WANT TO SHOW THE LUTON FANS HOW MUCH I HAVE "GROWN" (HA HA) AS A KEEPER AND A LEADER ON THE PITCH!!  TO BE HONEST I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET BACK TO LUTON SINCE SIX MONTHS AFTER I LEFT!!  I EVEN SAID TO LENNIE (LAWRENCE) THAT I WOULD COME ON TRIAL IF NEED BE!!  THIS IS THE SAME TIME AS WHEN I PLAYED THOSE TWO GAMES IN THE FA CUP FOR RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS AGAINST LEEDS UNITED.  IT IS MY TEAM AND NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE THAT!!

HI BIG BOPPER, I AM CURRENTLY TRAINING WITH THE LOS ANGELES GALAXY IN THE MLS. I BECAME A FREE AGENT LAST YEAR WHEN ALL OF THAT ITV DIGITAL STUFF HAPPENED. NO ONE REALLY BOUGHT OR COULD SELL DURING THAT TRANSFER PERIOD SO I WAS FORCED TO COME BACK FOR FINANCIAL REASONS. I STILL HAVE HIGH HOPES OF COMING BACK BECAUSE PLAYING IN THE PREMIERSHIP WITH WEST HAM UNITED, DERBY COUNTY, AND BEING ON TRIAL WITH ARSENAL FOR THREE WEEKS AND IMPRESSING THEM SO MUCH THAT I WAS A WHISKER AWAY FROM SIGNING WITH THEM, REALLY BOOSTED MY CONFIDENCE!!

Andrew Malcolm asked: “Ian, as a fan who has huge respect for you - do you feel that your place back with the club (if you so wish) will be as a player or potential coach, and an inspirational one at that?  Here's hoping to a player-coach role!”

Ian Feuer's Answer:  HI ANDREW, ITS FUNNY YOU ASK THAT BECAUSE AT THE MOMENT I AM COACHING GOALKEEPERS AND I AM REALLY ENJOYING IT AND GETTING GREAT RESULTS!! I WOULD LOVE TO COME BACK AS PLAYER/GK COACH!!! I STILL FEEL I HAVE A GOOD 6 OR 7 YEARS LEFT IN ME TO PLAY THOUGH, SO I WOULDN’T TRAIN THE OTHER GOALKEEPERS TO WELL IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!

A number of people were also interested in Ian’s views on the former owner of Luton Town Football Club – John Gurney.  Jim Frampton asked: “What do you think about the current situation at the club (and John Gurney)?”  Gavin asked: “With the wind behind you, how far do you reckon you would be able to launch John Gurney? Half-way line, opposite goal or over the Kenilworth and far, far away??”

Ian Feuer's Answer:  HI JIM AND GAVIN, ANYONE WHO DAMAGES THE CLUB, OR DOESN’T HAVE GOOD INTENTIONS, DOESN’T BELONG THERE!! YOU CANT TAKE YEARS OF TRADITION AND DEDICATION LIGHTLY!! YOU ALSO CANT TAKE THE LUTON FANS LIGHTLY!!!  THEY ARE USED TO FIGHTING FOR WHAT THEY BELIEVE IN!! AS FAR AS HOW FAR I COULD LAUNCH HIM? YOU KNOW THE CASINO DOWN THE STREET?….ONLY WITH THE WIND AT MY BACK THOUGH!!!

Dr. Evil asked: “Lennie Lawrence - I noticed that when Luton were playing poorly he would just sit motionless in his normal glum pose, instead of shouting instructions to the team. What were his team talks like? And if Luton were losing at half-time, what sort of things did he say to the team to stir them into a second-half revival?”

Ian Feuer's Answer:  HI DR.EVIL, PRETTY “GROOVY” QUESTION! TO BE HONEST HE WAS USUALLY PRETTY GOOD IN HIS TEAM TALKS AT HALF-TIME. THE ONLY THING WAS THAT HE SPIT A LOT WHEN HE TALKED SO I DIDN’T EVER WANT TO GET TOO NEAR HIM! HE WAS ALSO VERY FUNNY AT TIMES, BUT HE COULD ALSO THROW A TANTRUM AS WELL!! HE LIKED TO SAVE IT FOR THE DRESSING ROOM YOU COULD SAY.

A number of fans were also interested in Ian's views on American soccer. Lee Turney asked: "Having watched you play in America for the Revolution, how do you think that the standard of MLS compares to our 'beautiful game'? And do you think that the game will ever 'catch-on' for them (you!) culminating in you having a World Cup-winning team? They sure upset the formbook at the last finals? PS - Any chance of a quick return to the Hatters??? (pretty please!!)" Meanwhile, Neale Bray asked: "Why is it that there is a notable influx in the last 15 years of USA/Canadian goalkeepers in the British soccer Leagues (such as Keller, Sommer, Friedel, Forrest, Hirschfeld, yourself), yet there don't seem to be as many outfield players from these countries? There are ten times as many positions up for grabs!" Finally, Matthew Parsfield asked: "Why do you think there are so many good American goalkeepers when outfield players from the United States have not made such an impact? Yourself, Kasey Keller, Juergen Sommer, Brad Friedel, Timothy Howard and Tony Meola are all good examples of this."

Ian Feuer's Answer:  HI LEE, THE STANDARD HERE IS GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME, BUT I STILL DON’T THINK THAT WE (MLS) PLAY ATTRACTIVE FOOTBALL. IT’S A VERY SLOW BUILD-UP HERE COMPARED TO ENGLAND. WE HAVE A LOT OF GREAT PLAYERS AS YOU PROBABLY COULD SEE FROM THE LAST WORLD CUP. WE ARE NOW BUILDING ACTUAL FOOTBALL STADIUMS INSTEAD OF USING SOMEONE ELSE'S AMERICAN FOOTBALL STADIUM THAT HOLDS 80,000 AND IS MORE THAN HALF EMPTY!! L.A. JUST FINISHED THEIR STADIUM (27,000 SEATED AND NOT A BAD SEAT IN IT!) AND I CAN HONESTLY SAY IT IS ONE OF THE WORLDS FINEST FOOTBALL FACILITIES!!! SO WE ARE HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. I GIVE IT ANOTHER TWO TO THREE WORLD CUPS BEFORE WE WILL WIN IT!! (ANY BETS?) OH YEAH…SHOULDN’T I BE THE ONE SAYING PRETTY PLEASE?

HI NEALE AND MATTHEW, I THINK THAT AMERICAN KEEPERS DO WELL BECAUSE MOST OF OUR SPORTS HAVE A LOT OF HAND EYE COORDINATION. I USED TO PLAY FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL AND BASEBALL SO IT CAME NATURAL TO CATCH A “SOCCER” BALL. AND MATTHEW, I DON’T KNOW WHY OUR PLAYERS DON’T MAKE SUCH AN IMPACT AS OUR GOALKEEPERS DO. LIKE I SAID BEFORE, WE HAVE A LOT OF REALLY GOOD PLAYERS BUT YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER AT THE LAST WORLD CUP I THINK WE HAD ONE OF, IF NOT, THE YOUNGEST SQUAD THERE!!! MAYBE IN A FEW YEARS FROM NOW THEY WILL BE MORE MATURE TO TAKE ON ENGLAND..

Oliver asked: “My friends who have seen you play said I was the next Ian Feuer. But I think you’re tons better than me any day. How did you get discovered and become professional?

Ian Feuer's Answer:  HI OLIVER, I HOPE YOUR FRIENDS MEANT THAT AS A COMPLIMENT!! I LEFT MY HOME WHEN I WAS 16 AND HAD A FRIEND WHO KNEW A FEW FOOTBALL PEOPLE OVER IN BELGIUM. HE GOT ME A TRIAL WITH ONE OF THE TOP TEAMS, FC BRUGGE, AND THEY SIGNED ME AS AN APPRENTICE. A YEAR LATER I BECAME THE THIRD CHOICE KEEPER, AND THEN THE FOLLOWING YEAR I WAS SECOND CHOICE!! I THEN GOT LOANED OUT TO RWD MOLENBEEK IN THE SAME DIVISION AND PLAYED ABOUT 45 GAMES FOR THEM. THEN I GOT SPOTTED BY WEST HAM UNITED. THE REST IS HISTORY!!

And finally, Lauren Archell asked: “Do you have a copy of the 6ft growth chart that was in the club shop when you played? I have still have mine and I’m still growing! Your no 1 fan!”

Ian Feuer's Answer:  HI LAUREN, TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH MY MOM HAS ONE HANGING UP IN ONE OF THE ROOMS AT HER HOUSE AND IT SCARES THE S**T OUT OF ME EVERY TIME I GO THERE!!! PUT IT IN THE FRONT WINDOW TO SCARE OFF THE THIEVES!!! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

Finally, Ian had a message for the Hatters fans...

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTS LUTON TOWN AND WHATEVER HAPPENS I ONLY WISH THE BEST FOR OUR CLUB AND I HOPE THINGS TURN AROUND SOON SO WE GET BACK TO WHERE WE BELONG!!!

SINCERELY,

IAN FEUER.