Town manager Jack Wilshere has spoken about the importance of the Hatters supporters and the role they can play ahead of a difficult clash with Port Vale at Kenilworth Road.
The Hatters will be looking to make it four unbeaten in the league following the last-gasp draw on the road against Leyton Orient, with super-sub Gideon Kodua netting another late goal to continue his rich vein of scoring form.
Speaking in front of the local media, Wilshere said: “I understood when I took the job part of it was rebuilding that connection with the fans. It will take a while because they aren’t happy that we are in League One and that is the problem, we’re trying all we can to fix that and get back into the Championship.
“It’s partly why I wanted to have a conversation with them after the game. As much as it is fine that they are frustrated, we do need them. We need them especially at home. We need our supporters in a difficult game.”
The gaffer was also keen to emphasise his support for skipper Kal Naismith following the result against the O’s, reiterating his importance to the squad.
“Players are allowed a bad game, it can happen, it’s about how you respond," said the former Arsenal and England midfielder. "I quite like what he did after with the fans, walking off that way when he didn’t have to. It shows you what kind of person he is.
“One disappointing game doesn’t change our opinion of him. He cares so much about this club. I know he came back to try and help the team stay in the Championship last year and in one of my first conversations with him when I got this job, I couldn’t believe how much he wanted to come back, how much he wanted to help.
"It was almost like he couldn’t believe he’d got another chance to come and play for this club and help this club. He’s trying everything he can to help the team.”
Speaking on the opposition, Wilshere urged fans to get behind the lads and reminded everyone to not underestimate the Valiants despite their position in the league table, explaining: “I know Port Vale have struggled a bit in the league, but they have won their last two in the cup, which sometimes can change things a little bit.
"Their players will have that bit extra confidence, we’ve looked at them and we will try to attack in the best way possible.
“I know we’ve struggled at times this season against teams in the low block. We’ve worked on that quite a lot since I’ve got here. We might get a little bit frustrated tomorrow, and we will need the fans in those moments.”
Words: Liam Wilmot
