Boss Nathan Jones insists he’s only focused on beating Bristol City in tonight’s Championship clash, not getting one over on Kal Naismith who controversially left Luton for the Robins this summer.
Last term’s player of the season, was offered a new contract by Town but he opted to pen a three-year deal with Bristol, which was an offer Luton could not compete with.
The move was initially marred by what Luton said in a statement was ‘without advance warning as is the usual etiquette’ from City, with Naismith announced as a Bristol player in May before his Hatters contract had officially expired.
Jones later clarified in another statement that there was no animosity between him and the defender and that the pair had been in regular contact throughout the summer.
But comments prior to that in the Scottish ace’s first interview for the Robins did not sit well with Hatters fans, as Naismith claimed City boss Nigel Pearson was the best in the league, despite Jones winning the Championship Manager of the Year award last term.
However, Jones was keen to point out that the potential for Naismith to face his former side is not part of his preparations, as Luton look for their first win of the campaign.
“It’s not about Kal Naismith, it’s about Bristol City,” said Jones, adding: “I don’t really care who plays for them as long as we win the game.
“I don’t care if my dad plays for them. All I’m concerned about is winning the game, so it doesn’t make a difference.
“It’ll be nice to see Kal for a moment. I’ll speak to him after, I’m sure, but I’m not interested in reacquainting myself with anyone. I want to win a football match.
“So, if I never speak to Kal Naismith again but win the game, I’ll take that.
“That’s nothing on Kal, because I really like Kal and he did excellent for this football club.”
Allan Campbell scooped a host of awards at the end of last term but was pipped to the Player of the Year award by countryman Naismith.
“I’m sure both of us will get stuck into each other,” said Campbell on the prospect of facing his former team-mate.
“It’ll be competitive. You know what it’s like, you can be pals off the park but as soon as it’s on it’s Luton v Bristol City and I’ll be doing my bit for Luton to get the points.
“He’ll be doing his bit for them to get the points. It’ll be a battle on the park but it’ll be nice to see him after it. I’ve not seen him since (he left) so it’ll be nice to see him.
“He was brilliant for me, especially coming down here, not knowing anybody. To have a Scottish guy there and to have that relationship kind of helped me settle in.
“He’s a brilliant guy off the park and on the park he was a top player so it’ll be nice to see him.”
Luton will hope to have some more reinforcements for the trip to Ashton Gate.
Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Preston saw the omission of Harry Cornick, who pulled up with an injury last week, while Alfie Doughty, Fred Onyedinma, Luke Berry and Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu have all yet to feature this term.
Asked if any injured players could return for the Bristol City trip, Jones said: “We hope so but we’re taking it day by day. What we’re worried about at the minute is anyone else.
“A lot of stuff is happening. People are finishing games, no problem, but then I don’t see them again for the next game.
“It’s frustrating time for us at the minute, which we have to rectify. And we will.”
