Rob Edwards says he appreciates positive social media posts from fans about the way his Luton team plays but has pushed all the praise onto his players and called on everyone to keep fighting to maintain their Championship play-off hopes.
Since his November appointment, when he took over after Nathan Jones left for what has now become his ill-fated and short spell at Southampton, the Hatters boss has begun rectifying Town’s faltering home results while continuing the club’s strong form on the road, which will take them to Preston North End tonight.
Three victories on the spin over Christmas and their current four-game undefeated streak have contributed to 19 points from a possible 27 under Edwards which has helped to propel the club into the Championship play-off places.
And that has been accompanied by a style distinct from his predecessor which many supporters view as being less direct while playing more football and maintaining Town’s high-intensity identity.
When told about the largely positive outlook on social media, Edwards said: “We really appreciate that. That’s down to the players, it really is. They are the ones that go over the line and deliver.
“All the staff work really hard and obviously try to keep everyone organised and give everyone a plan and some direction, but ultimately it’s the lads who go out there and do it, so it’s a big, big credit to them, and we want to keep doing that.
“We want our supporters to enjoy watching their team and to be proud watching their team, and that’s our aim, but of course, within that, we want to win football matches as well, and so far we’ve been able to do that.
“We’ve got to try and keep working very very hard, stay really grounded, because if we drop down or we think we’ve cracked it, it can smack you right in the face football, really really hard.
“So let’s keep working hard, really, really hard, and keep fighting and stay in the mix. We are in a brilliant position so far, let’s enjoy it.”
Town travel to Deepdale tonight to face a Preston side on a three-game losing run in all competitions.
The Hatters took 2,843 fans to Coventry on Saturday to see a 1-1 draw and while it’s unlikely to be a similar horde, given the 380-mile round trip on a Wednesday, Edwards is still hoping for a strong turnout.
“How good were they (on Saturday)?” Edwards said, adding: “Am I right in saying that we took the most fans away from home in the EFL at the weekend? I think my daughter showed me that. That’s incredible, so well done to everyone, thanks for the support.
“I thought they were amazing. We couldn’t get that win for them, but I thought it was a well-earned point and a good performance, and I felt they recognised that as well against a good Coventry team.
“They were brilliant, and we’re looking forward to seeing them again, so safe journey up to Preston, those that are making it, and hopefully we can reward them with a really good performance, and hopefully some good points.”
