Let's make Kenilworth Road rock this afternoon
Make sure you pick up a copy of the Hatters matchday programme, Talk of the Town, this afternoon as chief executive Gary Sweet and manager Nathan Jones use their notes to appeal to fans to play their part in this afternoon’s crunch game against Blackpool.
In his From The Boardroom column, Gary discusses the new contract the gaffer signed last week tying him to the club until 2020.
He writes: “We are delighted with the progress both Nathan and the squad have made in the 15 months he has been with us, and that improvement will only continue with the stability the longevity of the contract gives the Club and the manager.
“Underlying any short-term ups and downs, we are absolutely heading in the right direction and with this news, the signing of talented young players like James Justin and Isaac Vassell – not forgetting Danny Hylton – on long-term deals, the award-winning planning applications for Newlands Park and Power Court and the gradual move to training at The Brache full-time, it is an exciting time to be involved with Luton Town.
“That is especially so with our promotion hopes alive and kicking, as they very much are. Form is temporary, as they say, and we are due to go on a winning run that could take us to where we want to be. Now is the time for everyone with the Club at heart – from the stands to the boardroom to the dressing room – to stand as one behind Nathan and the team to ensure this season ends in glory. We need every Hatter in the ground singing their hearts out.
“Anyone who has read Dave Brailsford’s famous book about marginal gains will know how so many one per cent improvements in different areas can add up to make a significant increase in performance for the team.
“Nathan and his staff work all week on many components to do that on the pitch, as do the Board and staff behind the scenes. From the stands, you too can make a difference to the result. Say what you want after the final whistle, but for 90 minutes for the next seven games – four of them here at home – we need your voices adding positively to the push for promotion.”
In his manager’s notes, Jones writes: “We have seven huge matches now to finally put the kind of winning run together than we’ve not yet managed so far this season, and if we do that, we won’t be far off where we want to be.
“We have a wonderful squad and I believe in every single one of our players. We have had one of them shortlisted for League Two player of the year this week in Danny Hylton, and we are tremendously proud of that. It shows what a wonderful season Danny has had and that he’s been part of a top team.
“We are the second youngest squad in the division and maybe a bit of youthful naivety has cost us in recent games, but this group will only get better with experience. They have a huge desire to achieve something for you supporters.
“You know that I do, too. You couldn’t have a prouder manager of your club. That’s why I was so pleased to sign a new contract to 2020 last week, because I believe Luton Town are on the verge of a new golden era and I want to be the man to lead such a wonderful club into the new stadium from a much higher level in the EFL.
“Of course, we need your help to get us over the line. At Colchester last Saturday you were rightly annoyed at half-time, but in the second half you showed what great supporters you are, almost sucking the ball into the net, firmly behind the lads as we piled forward.
“I want to come off the pitch today with us all celebrating a massive three points. Together, let’s make the place rock and get the job done from this great position we still find ourselves in.”
Come On You Hatters!