Taking in the Luton fans’ reactions after Saturday’s 2-1 win over Huddersfield was Graeme Jones’ ‘best feeling so far’ as a Hatter as he also likened the ‘special’ atmosphere to one he’s only previously experienced at Liverpool.
The manager had previously departed the Kenilworth Road pitch quickly after the final whistle this season, but on Saturday he savoured the feeling as part of the players’ post-match lap of appreciation.
Jones said: “I’ve been wanting to do that, but I think you have to earn it.
“I don’t want to walk up and start clapping the supporters after a 2-1 home defeat against West Brom, I think you have to earn that.
“I showed my appreciation last week at Barnsley after a win and I showed my appreciation today as I do appreciate what they’re doing.
“Without them, without that two, three way connection with staff, players and supporters, you’ve got no chance. It was my best feeling so far at Luton, hopefully one of many. So we’ll just keep our heads down and keep going.”
And the manager praised the Town supporters for their response to going a goal down early in the second half, which was then overturned by James Collins’ penalty and Andrew Shinnie’s sublime curler.
He said: “It was special and I don’t take them for granted, as I’ve been at enough places where it’s not as healthy as it is here.
“I think what I’ve noticed with the Luton Town supporters is a great understanding and empathy and a belief in the team that they’re not finished.
“We’ve been behind here a few times and I’ve only ever really seen that at Anfield and it’s a special thing.
“I don’t see any Luton Town supporters getting on any players’ back or blaming anyone when we were 1-0 down.
“They understood it, they supported us, they helped us, and again that unity between players and supporters has got us over the line, so I’m delighted.”
A proper manager talking