Rob Edwards has told his Hatters that tomorrow’s derby against arch-rivals Watford has “got to matter” like it did last year when Luton bagged the bragging rights.
Town were dominant that day and the ferocity in the stands was matched by the players on the pitch as, on a memorable day, they won 2-0 on their march towards promotion to the Premier League.
But after relegation from the top-flight, Luton have found it tough with just two wins in their opening nine Championship games. Their five defeats hit the lowest point before the international break, when the Hatters slumped to an impotent 2-0 reverse at Sheffield United.
So, there appears far more pressure on Edwards and Luton this time around, especially as their neighbours are currently in the play-off positions, having won five of their nine games.
Asked what his final message will be to his players before the lunchtime kick-off at Kenilworth Road, the Luton manager said: “I think it’s always to go and leave it all out there. But we know on a on a day like this when it means that much more, it’s got to look like it means something. It’s got to look like it matters.
“And that was the message last time in this game, last April, I know it’s a different day and I completely respect that. It’s got to matter like that again.”
Recalling the last derby, where Edwards also got some personal revenge, having been sacked as Watford boss after ten games in charge that term, he said: “It was a great performance. It was a really good day. This is a different day and I understand that as well. But yeah, certainly the crowds were incredible that day and I think the players and the fans fed off each other.
“So, I’m well aware that we can’t just say, ‘Go on fans, just make sure you turn up and, and make all the noise’. I’m sure they will do. But, then they’re going to want that fire from the boys as well, and that is really, really important, especially on a derby day.”
Asked if the international break had come at a good time to try and turn around Town’s season, Edwards said: “Potentially. Let’s see. Time will tell. Obviously, we know it’s a really big game. So we’ve been able to focus on that. I think we’ve been able to strip the few things back and concentrate on some of our basics, what has always brought us success, and what is a non-negotiable for a Luton Town player
“I’m pleased with how the couple of weeks have gone.”
He added: “We know what it (the derby) means to everybody. If we’re able to get the right result, then certainly I think it can give everybody a lift. A lift that’s required.
“But you only do that by doing the stuff that we’ve spoken about for these last couple of weeks. So, hopefully a real intensity in our game will give us the best platform to get that result, which hopefully then gives us a springboard.”
Despite one of the worst performances under Edwards’ tenure at Bramble Lane two weeks ago, Edwards said of preparations to face Watford: “It’s been healthy this week. The players will be able to talk about it themselves and what it means. They’ve experienced both sides of it, a lot of the lads, winning and losing (against Watford).
“We’ve got a lot of lads that have grown up in this country and know what derby games mean in this country, and they’ve played in this fixture as well.
“So, it’s not been difficult to sell to the lads what it means to everybody. I do think it helps that they’ve experienced both sides of it, not just the win last in April with us when we were here, a difficult side of it as well, in losing the game (at Watford).
“We don’t want to feel like that. So we know what we’ve got to try and do.”
