Nathan Jones says Ryan Tunnicliffe deserves “absolute massive” credit for staying at Luton in the summer and fighting for his place – with a goal in his last two games providing payment for his patience.
The midfielder made 40 appearances last term after joining from Millwall, but 37 of them came under former boss Graeme Jones and, after Nathan Jones guided Town to the Great Escape, the former Manchester United youth was given a route out of Kenilworth Road.
But Tunnicliffe dismissed that and though he’s had to bide his time for much of the campaign, featuring 18 times, he’s arguably hit his best run of form, starting the last three games, drawing one, winning two and scoring in both victories.
His goal at Nottingham Forest was the only strike of the game and ended a long Luton winless run at the City Ground, stretching back to 1983. And, for stats fans, it was the second season running he’s netted the winner in a 1-0 scoreline in the 33rd game of the Championship campaign, having notched his maiden Hatters goal in a victory over Middlesbrough last term.
Asked how much credit Tunnicliffe deserves for his decision to stay and fight for his place, manager Jones, said: “Absolutely massive. I’m really proud of Ryan. I’ve told him that. I messaged him the other night, I told him after the game.
“I’m really proud, and not just because of his goals. When I first came in, he’s a strong character in terms of certain ways and so on.
“He had to be patient. I tried to be fair to him in the summer, but he wanted to stay, he wants to do well and it’s proved a great decision.
“He’s in wonderful form, he’s trained really well, he’s a big part of something with the character he’s shown, and I’m really proud of him because a lot of players would have taken the easy option. But he hasn’t, he’s stuck at it, and he’s been wonderful.
“We really like him actually. It’s been harsh on him because we have told him, ‘look, we’ve had some midfield players in some real good form’. Pelly (Ruddock Mpanzu) and Kiernan (Dewsbury-Hall) have been in real good form in attacking, and Luke Berry as well has really contributed.
“It’s just been a bit tough on him, and since he’s come back in he’s been fantastic, and he deserves more credit than anybody for that.”
Tunnicliffe’s goals against Sheffield Wednesday and Forest demonstrated a midfield player determined to get into the box, which is not something that has been a familiar sight for Hatters fans, though Jones knew he had that in his armoury.
“He has that a little bit, naturally, he does that anyway,” said Jones, adding: “When I was at Brighton he was at Blackburn and he played as a number 10, a running 10, so we know he can do that.
“But he’s done fantastically well and he’s earned his place, he’s earnt the performances by the work he does. But that’s what we ask of everyone, because some people get really really frustrated when they aren’t playing and it can go one of two ways.
“But we have said that everyone will play and everyone will play a part. That was the case at the end of last season, and it’s been the case this year. Everyone has had opportunities. There’s no-one really that hasn’t had opportunities.
“There are one or two now who are drifting, who we need to bring back in and refocus, but everyone will really have a contribution to make between now and the end of the season.”
