Opinion: Return of Luton fans after 17 long months promises to be special

The countdown to the new football season is in full swing with just over 24 hours until Luton Town kick off another campaign in the Championship.

I always look forward to the opening day of the season. The start of the a new term, the anticipation, excitement and dreams of what might be over the nine months ahead and the return of the thing I live for, notably going to football matches.

This year that excitement is elevated to stratospheric levels as for the first time in more than 17 months Luton aren’t just starting a season but they will be playing to a packed out, sold out Kenny, something that has been way too long in the making. The three months between seasons is usually long enough but 17 of them has left me craving for Saturday.

I’m lucky enough that in the time since James Collins scored that penalty against Stoke City to claim a draw the last time a full crowd was allowed into Kenilworth Road, that I was able to go to one of the two matches that supporters were able to watch last season.

I’m grateful for that, but make no mistake there was a sterile nature to it. It was like getting a pint at a festival. You know there’s a good chance it will have been watered down and won’t taste the same but it is that or nothing so you take it.

Thankfully we can experience the full draught pumped pint on Saturday with 10,000 packed into the old girl once again.

There is no better place to be than at Kenilworth Road watching football when 10,000 Luton fans are cheering the team on, but Saturday promises to be one of the most special occasions any of us will have experienced.

All the things we’ve missed completely or had diluted over the last 17 months is back with a bang on Saturday. The noise of the turnstiles, the hum in the concourses, the smells of Bovril and Balti pies and the famous Kenilworth Road atmosphere. I can’t wait.

It has been 17 long months for everyone in the world, whether they are football fans or not, but for those of us who desire our full on football experience Saturday can’t come quick enough.

The atmosphere will be electric, the noise as loud as it has ever been, and if pre-season is anything to go by the football will be wonderful as well.

Bring. It. On!