Luton Town boss Matt Bloomfield has underlined the importance of tomorrow’s derby clash with Watford, insisting he’s felt just how much the rivalry means to Hatters fans.
While Bloomfield was aware of the historic animosity between the clubs before taking charge, he admitted that he has felt it more intensely in the build-up to the game.
Town travel down the M1 as the Championship’s bottom team after 11 games without a win, having not won at Vicarage Road since 2002 and not since 1994 in a league game.
“I don’t think you really understand how fierce a derby is until you’re actually involved in it,” Bloomfield said. “I felt it this week. I understand, what it stands for, for our supporters. And we would absolutely love to give them the bragging rights.”
Luton’s recent record at Vicarage Road is poor and they were hammered 4-0 the last time there. Bloomfield acknowledges the weight of history but remains confident in his team’s ability to change the narrative.
“Our away form hasn’t been to the level we want, but it’s up to us to change that,” he said of a Hatters side that have won just once on the road all season. “We have to make sure we perform and take our chance.”
Beyond just the rivalry, this fixture carries massive implications for both clubs. Luton are fighting to avoid relegation, and a victory over their biggest rivals could provide a massive boost with just 13 games remaining. Meanwhile, Watford is battling against a five-game winless run on their home patch, though they are still in the hunt for a play-off place.
“We can’t be too emotional in the moment. We have to make sure we’re calm and perform to our levels,” Bloomfield stressed, highlighting the need for balance between passion and control.
“I’m really looking forward to being involved in the occasion and really exciting, and we want to go there and continue the two performances that we’ve had this week so far.”
The fans’ view
The atmosphere at Vicarage Road is expected to be electric, with fans fully engaged in the battle. For Luton supporters, a win on Sunday could see them move out of the bottom three if results go Town’s way today and it will see Town complete the double over their fierce rivals after thumping them 3-0 at Kenilworth Road earlier this season. Here on the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust podcast the derby day chances are assessed….
