Didn't buy Saturday's programme? Here's what the new boss said...
GOOD AFTERNOON AND WELCOME TO KENILWORTH ROAD FOR THIS SKY BET LEAGUE 2 FIXTURE AGAINST CAMBRIDGE UNITED.
I’d like to welcome Shaun Derry and everybody associated with our visitors for what promises to be a keenly-contested game in front of a passionate crowd.
Shaun has made a really positive impact since he took over at the Abbey Stadium in November and, knowing him from his playing days, I am sure he will bring a lot his qualities that he had as a footballer to Cambridge United.
Today, however, is my first game as manager of Luton Town, and I can tell you that I am very proud to have been entrusted with the job of taking this club – your club – forward.
This is a big club with a great reputation, and one know I know a lot about. I was privileged to have spent a brief but hugely useful year on the books here as a young player, and I am now looking forward to making a positive difference here as a manager.
First and foremost I want to produce a team that the people of Luton can get behind, be proud of and relate to. I learned a lot about the ethos of this club during my time as a player here and I want to be able to give you a team that makes you happy to call your own.
I hope over the next few months you will quickly see what we’re trying to do. However, it’s important to understand that the first step in this new chapter will not happen overnight. What I can tell you, though, is that it will involve a lot of hard work. I can assure you that I will put a Luton Town team out there on the pitch to represent this club that will give absolutely everything, especially for you, our supporters.
Your importance in getting behind the team will play a major part in what we will be trying to do. Having watched games at Kenilworth Road, and been a part of this club before, I know how your passion, loyalty and noise can translate onto the pitch.
If we want success we are going to have to move forward together. This will be done in small but quick steps to firstly enable us to get a good footing in the League 2 table.
I can tell you that since I was appointed and took my first training session last week, the players have been superb. They have responded brilliantly to what I have put across to them.
The ability in the squad is something we’ll be looking to harness and put into our style of play to hopefully take Luton Town forward. The hard work will speak for itself.
This is a start of a new era and a new challenge for me too. I realise where this club wants to go, and we get there by doing so sensibly and constructively, so get behind us and enjoy the game.
Nathan.