Ahead of Luton’s first visit to the Bank since 2017, we spoke to one of their fan sites about their recent return.
It was nice to speak to a proper site, with blogs and writing. In a world where audiovisual is becoming king, it was a refreshing change to go old school with emails and a few written words.
We chatted to Oak Road Hatter about Luton’s return to League One, and a couple of familiar faces.
How has life treated you back in League One?
It hasn’t been the easiest so far – though that’s more on us than the opposition. We all knew what League One would look like, and it’s been just that really, maybe with Cardiff as the exception. Most sides sit deep, try to frustrate, and then look to hurt us on the counter. We’ve struggled to consistently find the answers to it.
I saw your captain addressing boos after the Plymouth game, is this a minority, or is the mood a little sour right now?
I said to a Plymouth podcast before the game that the mood was good, but if it turned into four wins and three defeats, it would flip quickly – and that’s what’s happened.
At this point, I’d say most of the fanbase are frustrated. Nobody thought we’d breeze this league, but losing at home to a side who’ve been dire away, and who we played against with an extra man for 40+ minutes, just isn’t good enough.
Straight after the game, I was fuming. Now I’ve calmed down a bit, I can see that our defeats have come against the top two, not the end of the world, but when you’ve got this squad, losing nearly half your matches doesn’t sit right. So yes, the mood is sour at the moment.
Who are the key players in the Hatters’ line up?
It’s hard to pick out key men when too many aren’t hitting the levels they should. But George Saville has been excellent – you can see his Championship pedigree straight away. He reads the game so well, breaks up play, wins those second balls, and he’s calm in possession. He’s been a real bright spot.
Millenic Alli is always dangerous too. He wasn’t at his sharpest against Plymouth, but his direct running and creativity make him a constant threat.
What do you know of Lincoln? What do you expect from your visit in terms of experience?
It’s been a while since we last played, probably back in League Two in 2017 or 2018 so I can’t pretend I’m fully up to date. But I’ve always liked Lincoln as a club. You feel similar to how we were a few years ago: not a big budget, but smart recruitment and a clear plan.
With Collins and Bradley there now, I’ve naturally kept more of an eye on your results. You’ve made a strong start, and from the outside looking in, Lincoln always strikes me as a side that builds from being organised and defensively solid.
You’ll be up against Sonny Bradley and James Collins, talk to me a bit about that pair?
Where do I start? Those two are universally loved by Luton fans. They played huge roles in getting us up to the Championship and keeping us there.
They’re actually quite alike: leaders, reliable, give everything… but not blessed with pace. And honestly, that’s the only negative I can really throw at them. It will slightly surreal, to see them in action again but for a different side.
Finally, I’d better get a score prediction!
That’s the toughest question! We’ve been really hit and miss – one week we go away and smash Burton 3-0, the next we’re losing 3-2 to ten-man Plymouth who hadn’t picked up a point on the road.
I can’t see this ending in a draw. I think it’s one of those that’s either a win or a loss as a drawer doesn’t exactly get fans back on side. Don’t ask me why, but I’ll lean on the side of optimism and say 2-1 to us.
You must be logged in to post a comment.