Ryan Tunnicliffe did his research when signing for Luton Town, so knows that Saturday’s Watford derby date means more to fans than Tuesday’s cup clash against his old side Manchester United.
In any other week, playing the Premier League giants at home for the first time in 28 years would be the biggest fixture, but all the excitement has been reserved for Town’s first trip to their fierce local rivals since 2006.
Tunnicliffe said: “I’ve only been at the club a short while, but I know the passion of the Luton fans. Coming into the club, you have to do your research and know who your rivals are, and know what games mean more to the club and the fans.
“I’m sure, this week, after the (Manchester United) game, we’ll get it drilled into us how much it will mean to everyone if we can get a result on Saturday.”
The 27-year-old was a regular starter under former boss Graeme Jones, in all but three Championship games, and though he kept his place for the first three matches of Nathan Jones second spell, he hasn’t played since except for run outs in the Carabao Cup.
Tunnicliffe took his chance on Tuesday with an outstanding performance against his old club Manchester United, despite an unflattering 3-0 cup exit, but he was one of nine changes, which suggests Jones may revert back to the starting XI that have made a perfect start to their league campaign.
But Tunnicliffe understands that the team are performing well may mean he’ll have to bide his time for more league action.
“I’ve been a player when you’re winning games and you don’t want to come out and you don’t think it’s right if you’re on a great run,” he said.
“All I can do is take care of what I can control, perform well, play well tomorrow, showcase my skills and try to get the win will only stand me in good stead to try to get back into the league team whenever the manager sees fit.”
Despite his reduced role so far, Tunnicliffe was full of praise for his manager.
“I’ve enjoyed my time under him,” the midfielder said, adding: “I know under the old manager I played a lot. Now I’m having to work to gain his trust because a lot of the lads were here under his first spell, so he knows them well.
“I’ve just got to train hard, take my chance when I get it and earn his trust that I can play games, league games.
“I’ve enjoyed it. His passion for the club, for the players, is second to none and it’s just a great working environment.
“Since he’s been back, his record has been excellent, so he’s doing a lot of things right.”
