Graeme Jones accepts that reality has overtaken the wave of optimism that Town rode into their last Championship clash with Middlesbrough, but believes his Hatters have the desire to end their 11-game losing league run on the road.
Boro were Luton’s first opponents of the season as the two played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in a cauldron-like Kenilworth Road atmosphere, with home fans celebrating a return to the second tier after 12 years away.
But the positivity and excitement of that curtain-raiser has given way to a relegation dog fight, with the Hatters firmly in the drop zone and seven points from safety, though the 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday night has offered some hope of a great escape.
But nowhere has the step up in quality proven such difficult terrain than on Town’s travels, with their last of their two away-day victories coming in September at Blackburn Rovers.
So, despite winning in midweek at home, Town fans travelling to the Riverside Stadium tomorrow will do so in trepidation, rather than expectation.
Manager Jones said: “We’re a long way away from the Middlesbrough optimism on the opening day. There’s a reality now of this league and what it brings.
“They drew 2-2 on Tuesday night, so nothing can be easy, but I prefer where we are now. We’re experienced and we know what it’s like to go to a big stadium. We know what Middlesbrough are like, we know what the Championship is like, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Asked if he can see an end to the losing run tomorrow, Jones said: “I don’t know, I haven’t got a crystal all but what I do know is that the performances have been consistent and the players have got a great attitude and desire to go and do it.
“It’ll come from them, it’ll always come from the player, but I see a team that is performing and learning and that gives me great pleasure.
“It has to come from within. There’s a human element that they need to really make happen. They need to make good decisions, they need to fight, they need to run, and they’ve been doing that for weeks with no reward. That’s demoralising. (On Wednesday) they got a reward, so let’s see where that takes us.”
