We have had to wait 14 long years but finally here we are on the eve of another derby day, one which obviously is going to be different with none of us fans able to be there to see it – but no less important despite that.
Our recent past has been well documented and there is no need to go there again, but when we were experiencing those dark days in the Conference, the only chance of this fixture happening was in a cup tie. Now we not only meet them in a league game, but one where we go into it above them in the league table.
As Tuesday night was, Saturday, is a defining moment in how far we have come as a club in the last six years. It is also a guide that the wider football world could use as a way to shape the future and be successful.
Luton have made their way back to the Championship the right way, with long-term planning, every decision carefully considered and embarked on wisely, not spending money that doesn’t exist and very much living within their means, moving forward incrementally, but most importantly, safely.
Contrast that to our rivals down the road who are a symbol of much that is disliked about the beautiful game in modern times.
The short-term outlook where a couple of bad weeks brings about another manager and a list of overseas players or investors, many of which flop and fade away, all in the chase of the riches to keep the owner interested until he gets bored and leaves an enormous mess behind him. We won’t be the only ones who enjoyed the failure of such a strategy, but rivalry just means we revel in it more.
Given where the two clubs have come from, that we meet as equals on Saturday in terms of status might just be the biggest achievement and justification of the 2020 model, and there are plenty of examples that it competes with.
But from Basher’s banger to Springy’s screamer, derby day has given us plenty of good memories. Let’s hope this latest instalment provides plenty more to signal a continuation of our outstanding rise.
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