Manager on "manic" few weeks ahead
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Town boss Paul Buckle says he will remain calm as the hectic festive period takes hold.
The Hatters host Woking at Kenilworth Road on Boxing Day before they take on Ebbsfleet on 29th before travelling to Woking on New Year’s Day.
With the transfer window opening on January 1 it’s a busy time but the manager will attempt to keep his and his players’ feet on the floor over the coming weeks.
“December and January are jam-packed,” said Buckle on Christmas Eve. “It’s game after game and the transfer window’s open. It’s manic – but that’s English football for you. We go potty at this time of year, cramming everything in around Christmas and New Year. For me the key is to stay calm and focus on the next game.
“We will train and prepare the players properly and do the best we can in the games we play. We won’t look too far ahead and at this time of year all the players are looking forward to these games – especially when you haven’t played for a week or 10 days.
“The players are in a good mood and looking bright and sharp. I’m hopefully we can send the fans away after Boxing Day in good spirits.”
The Town confirmed that winger Scott Neilson will arrive on a contract until the end of the season on New Year’s Day and Buckle admitted that might not be the only piece of business during the January transfer window.
“It’s a good time to try and freshen things up,” he said. “It’s a time to look back at what we’ve done, how we’ve done it, and where we can improve going forward.
“It’s all about raising the bar. January’s an important time if you can make the right moves because there’s so much football left to be played between now and the end of the season.
“I’m trying to get the squad how I want it and hopefully by the end of the window I’ll have pushed it on even further.”
Woking make their first ever visit to Kenilworth Road in mid-table following promotion last season. The Cards recently lost 7-0 at Hyde but won 2-0 at Lincoln and won 7-0 against Farnborough in the FA Trophy.
Which Woking side will turn up at Kenilworth Road? Nobody knows, not least Buckle.
“I don’t know what they’ll do,” he said when asked what to expect from Garry Hill’s side. “They’ll come here looking forward to it and will try and make it difficult for us.
“What we have to do is make it difficult for them, just like we’ve done in the last few home games. The Alfreton game was tough but the players showed great character to come in at half-time 0-0 before going on to score three goals in the second half.
“The most important thing is we mustn’t concede and put pressure on ourselves.
“I feel as though the players are getting used to the challenge that is playing for Luton. Playing here is unlike any clubs in the Conference, or League 2 for that matter. I’m really pleased the boys are learning.”
The manager will have a strong hand to pick from for the Boxing Day clash with long-term absentees Danny Spiller and Garry Richards the only two players unavailable for selection.