Luton Town captain Kai Naismith has promised that his team will bounce back after a run of three games without a win has left them playing catch up in the race to reach the League One play-offs.
The Hatters began the campaign as the overwhelming favourites to earn promotion back to the Championship at the first attempt. Boosted by the wealth that followed from a solitary season in the Premier League throughout 2023 and 2024, their shock relegation from the second tier last May meant they came armed with a squad more than capable of challenging for honours this time around.
In truth, it’s been quite the opposite. A poor start saw Matt Bloomfield dismissed in October, with former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere named as his successor a week later.
The 34-year-old started reasonably well but is yet to guide Luton into the top six. Although they have flirted with the play-off positions, the squad is yet to click into gear.
Away Form Costing Luton Dearly
Luton have been a tale of two teams this season. They have been incredibly strong at Kenilworth Road, having not tasted defeat in front of their own supporters since October. However, their performances on the road have been in stark contrast.
The Bedfordshire-based side last won away from home against Stockport County in early November, whilst they have also lost their last five. Therefore, the visit of struggling Burton Albion on Saturday was deemed a must-win.
Nakhi Wells gave the home side an early lead, but the performance from there was lacklustre at best. They failed to trouble Burton’s goal for the remainder of the game and it was no surprise when the Brewers grabbed a deserved equaliser in added time.
Naismith Understands Fan Frustration
The latest setback saw Luton slip to 10th in League One, six points behind sixth-placed Huddersfield Town. The full-time whistle sparked furious scenes from the stands, who were keen to let the team and manager Wilshere know their thoughts.
Preparing to host Plymouth Argyle in the EFL Trophy tonight after they were reinstated back into the competition earlier this month, captain Naismith admitted he understands the fans frustrations. Speaking to Luton Today, the club captain said:
“That’s to be expected. The fans are passionate fans, that’s why I love playing for this club and they’ve got every right to voice their disappointment. They see us, they know that we’re good players and we’re better than what we’re showing and they probably feel the same as me, that we never really performed well. Even though we were winning 1-0, we’re not really taking the game to them and being ourselves.
“They see that and the frustration was building. The goal at the end and that obviously spills over, but I completely understand it from them. They’re passionate about their club, they love their club, they pay hard earned money to come and support us. We’ve had a lot of low points this season, but one thing the fans have not done is never turned up.
“You see it at a lot of other clubs where clubs are going through tough times and you look at the stands and they’re empty. It’s never been the case here, fans have come home and away, support the club and they’ve got every right to be frustrated. We want better, we’re frustrated in there and I feel for them, but I promise it’s not from a lack of effort. We’re constantly working and all we can do is bounce back and try to show that.”
Luton have a glorious opportunity to end their away day woes on Saturday when they travel to basement side Port Vale.
