Nathan Jones’ history changers can tick off another long-unwanted record by ending a 28-year wait for victory on enemy territory or the Hatters’ bitter rivals Watford.
Town travel to Vicarage Road tomorrow lunchtime knowing that the last time Luton left with all three points was back in 1994, which was a full ten months before their current manager even joined the club as a player.
There have only been six attempts since, such has been the differing fortunes of the two neighbours, but Jones was in charge in 2020 when Town went down 1-0 in a lacklustre derby inside an empty stadium, due to Covid. Though bragging rights were restored later that season with a Hatters 1-0 win at Kenilworth Road.
That was their first clash for 14 years, but this term, Town go into the clash as one of the form sides, with ten places between them in fifth and Watford.
That’s courtesy of a seven-game unbeaten streak and back-to-back victories against promotion rivals Queens Park Rangers and Norwich.
The 3-1 win over QPR ended an eight-game wait for three points against the west Londoners, so Jones is not concerned by the length of the wait for a win in Watford.
“With the greatest of respect, that’s derived over years. Now, we want to change history. We like changing history and this, hopefully, can be another one we can tick off,” he said.
Luton are the only side in the top seven that have yet to play in the Premier League, though they were founding members in 1992. But to emphasise the positivity in Town’s ranks they have not lost to any of those clubs this season.
Jones said: “We are growing as a team in this division. That we are very consistent and it doesn’t matter who we come up against, but we are able to get results. That shows where are as a club, a team, a group, but also that we’re very consistent.
“We don’t fluctuate. We’re not winning 3-0 and getting beaten 4-1. Every game we’re in is tight. Arguably, apart from Bristol City, we could’ve won every game we’ve played this season.
“I’m sure a lot of sides would say similar but we got turned over at Bristol City, rightly and royally on the night, but apart from that, I can’t remember a side turning us over.
“That’s good consistency. That’s not us reinventing the wheel or being miraculous, that’s us being really consistent at this level.”
He added: “We’re in a good run of form, a very pleasing run of form but you have to maintain that. The Championship is a league that can bite you, you just have to be right at it and constantly.
“You have to do the basics really well and that is the pleasing thing. To go seven games unbeaten in the Championship no matter who you are, you have to do the basics right. In any league to go seven games unbeaten is very good and we would like to make that eight on Sunday. We know it is going to be a really tough game, a real big game but we’re looking forward to it.”
Less said the better. Still at least I got home drier than when I set off.
But… injuries or no. Bell hadn’t played centre back for us before and it showed. Bree played it on Tuesday and a fair few times. Play Lockyer left cb and Bree right cb. Bell had no idea on positioning. Freeman can’t play in our 3 man midfield unless we’re on the front foot. The midfield was effectively 2 man today. No wonder Clarke and Campbell barely touched the ball. Chasing shadows. And then when freeman did get the ball he did what he does, playground ball hog who chips every cross slowly. Adebayo nearly made one look much better than it was. But Sheehan could do with working with Freeman on getting some pace on crosses. And Jones could do with putting a rocket up his arse about defending and attacking at pace.
Worse things have happened at sea. So it’s not a huge deal. But I hope Jones doesn’t repeat those 2 experiments again. And he’s right for us to have some perspective. It was a great journey home from Norwich on Tuesday. But I’ve now got to buy my Watford mate’s drinks when I next see him. Boo!