Tom Lockyer says Luton players know how much Sunday’s derby day against Watford means to Hatters fans but has warned against his team-mates playing the occasion.
Town hold the bragging rights after beating them 1-0 at Kenilworth Road last April, but that was in the Covid-hit campaign when matches were played in empty stadia.
Fans have had to wait 16 years to go to a clash against their bitter rivals and in that time the Hornets have been in the Premier League, while Town have sunk to the depths of the non-league before fighting their way back to the second tier, where they now sit ten places above the Hornets.
Watford midfield Tom Cleverly, who played for Manchester United and Everton before moving to Hertfordshire, has admitted that when he joined the club he “didn’t realise how fierce the rivalry was” with Luton.
But Town defender Lockyer admits he’s well aware of what the game means for supporters.
“Of course we know how much it means to the fans,” the Wales international told the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust podcast.
“There’s a fine line between getting too pumped up and doing something silly. And then playing the occasion instead of the game and maybe letting it pass you by.
“Of course we know how much it means to the fans but we want three points regardless of what it means to the fans.
“It’s a massive occasion. It’s a sell-out and we could’ve probably have sold that out three or four times, maybe, who knows?
“It’s an absolutely massive game but on the day, of course we’re going to be up for it. We’ll try not to play the occasion and play the game instead.”
Watford were relegated from the Premier League last season and they currently reside in the bottom half of the Championship table while the Hatters, who are on a seven-game unbeaten streak, are in the play-off positions.
The Hornets are also still adjusting to their 17th manager in ten years, and have suffered three defeats in their last four under Slavan Bilic.
That will see Luton arrive at Vicarage Road on Sunday as favourites and Lockyer is hoping to give the travelling Town contingent even more to crow about.
“I know it’s going to be a fantastic day,” he said, adding; “I know our fas will be right behind us, like they have every away game this season. I’ve been so impressed this season. Everywhere we’ve travelled.
“The most I’m looking forward to is seeing the fans and the noise they bring on Sunday.”
Lockyer also discussed his his own form this season so far, plus his World Cup ambitions on the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust Podcast. The podcast also previews the derby clash.
