Matt Bloomfield called keeper Thomas Kaminski “incredible” after he returned to Luton just days after his dad died to play in the 1-0 win over Coventry on Saturday.
The Belgian returned to Brussels last Wednesday after the tragic news, but he informed the Hatters that he wanted to return to play for the club in the weekend’s must-win match.
Bloomfield travelled to Belgium via Eurostar on Thursday to meet Kaminski’s family and accompany the stopper back to England.
At Kenilworth Road, the goalie was given a warm reception by Luton fans before, during and after the game, while the whole stadium broke into an applause in the 65th minute of the match to commemorate his father, Jacek.
Bloomfield said: “I’m glad Thomas allowed us to speak publicly about it because I wanted him to feel the love of the Luton Town supporters and I knew our supporters would get right behind him, which was which was lovely to see.
“It’s obviously been an incredibly tough moment for him, but the way our fans reacted to him and supported the team all afternoon, the way that the boys got around Thomas, the way that he showed incredible strength to come and play a game and when we needed him, off the back of the week he’s had, just shows incredible strength.
“I’m so incredibly proud of him, and I know more so his dad would be so incredibly proud of him.
“To come out and perform the way he did and just be here with us in such a tough moment, he’s incredible, for me.”
Speaking of Bloomfield’s gesture, Kaminski told the club’s social media channels: “The gaffer did an unbelievable gesture. He came to Brussels. He came to see my mum as well, which is special. It’s unbelievable. Their support means everything to me, meant everything to my family and we can’t thank the club enough for the way they handled it and supported me. I think that’s what Luton stands for as well.
“You saw, we are in this together and that we are in this together, no matter what. I’m so proud and pleased that we got the win.”
Talking about the reception Luton fans gave him, Kaminski told the BBC: “It’s very special. I can’t thank them enough. It means the world to me and also to my family, my mum. It’s been a tough couple of days. It means the world to us. They’ve watched the game as well. In normal circumstances they would’ve been here [Kenilworth Road].”
Speaking of his father, Kaminski added: “He was there everyday, he pushed me to the limits, he never gave me a day off. It’s thanks to him I’m here. It’s thanks to him I’ve got a career. He was so important in a special way.
He added: “For me, it’s very difficult. I used to get a message after the game. I will not get that message anymore but he’s with me and I’m very, very proud that he’s my day. He’s with me forever.”
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