Rob Edwards backs calls for Coldplay to change lyrics of famous track ahead of Luton concert as mayor aims savage 'yellow is the sign of cowardice' dig at rivals Watford

Coldplay were announced as the headline act of the three-day BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend to be held in Luton this May, but while many Hatters fans joined the scramble for tickets, others were quick to point out that Chris Martin's band may want to think about amending one of the band's breakthrough hits.

'Yellow' became the group's first-ever top 10 hit in 2000, but Luton fans, uncomfortable with the colour they associate with bitter rivals Watford, are petitioning to change the lyric to 'orange' — the colour worn by their heroes currently scrapping for survival in the Premier League.

"Yeah that would be great," laughed Edwards when asked by local radio about the campaign. "I don't want to be saying the wrong thing here. I've been out a bit on the back foot here. But yeah it sounds good to me!"

"There's only good things and positive things I can say about this town at the moment and I think everyone feels the same, long may that continue."

Luton's colourful mayor Mohammed Yaqub Hanif was more forthright on the matter. "The future's bright, the future's orange. The colour yellow is associated with cowardice and a certain team down the road."

Luton's return to the top-flight after nearly three decades has brought attention and a buzz to the Befordshire town. The club's eccentric home ground went viral before a ball was even kicked this season. On the field, the team has won plaudits for their brave brand of football which has resulted in some thrilling games and some superb performances from the likes of the resurgent Ross Barkley.

If the Hatters can pull off the miracle of survival, Coldplay's headline set, a week after the season's end, is sure to take place in front of a sea of celebratory orange.

In desperate need of points, Edwards' men face back-to-back away trips to Tottenham and Arsenal with an injury list that would make any manager shiver. They'll be hoping to upset the odds again with results that will ease them away from relegation trouble.