I would like to wish all blog readers and readers via Lutontownfans website a great Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
I'm looking forward to the Kettering match on Boxing Day.
My Christmas wishes:
For Gary Sweet from the fickle Luton Town Fans - some peace and appreciation and acknowledgement of his hard work for the club; and end to snide remarks and accusations and support in his quest to achieve what we all want for the club.
For Gary Brabin - A striker who can get us 15 goals between now and the end of the season and the ability to find a line up that works as a team and the courage to stick to it; the support and patience of the fans in his efforts to achieve promotion; success in the aim to get us into League Two!
For Luton Town squad - The confidence to go at sides and finish them off; the fortune to remain fit, well and without suspension; a carton of consistency and bucketful of points leading to promotion.
For the Luton Town Fans - the ability to accept our status; the patience to allow the team to pick up momentum; the desire to cheer the team on come what may and of course the promotion we all long for.
Friday 23 December 2011
Tuesday 6 December 2011
Luton grab a draw from the jaws of victory
First observation I made was no defender on the bench and I promise you that is not hindsight.
4-5-1 again - too defensive again away from home.
Started too slowly against a side showing nothing to hurt us.
Played some delightful football but lacked punch in the final third. Crow was lone striker.
Lovely header into the net from a corner ruled out because the assistant referee flagged that the ball had been curled over the line before it got to the middle so goal kick given.
Plenty of incisive passing and couldn't see Lincoln scoring if they played until Saturday as we bossed midfield and Pilks and Kovacs clearing everything. Pressure put on any Lincoln player in possession and robbed them of the ball almost at will.
A referee who seemed happy to talk to players rather than throw cards at them. Thought he was excellent first half as we were. However, the lack of a second striker seemed a mistake as we should have been out of sight by half time. Midfielders playing well too. Howells getting forward and cutting in or going outside defenders who hadn't a clue how to deal with him.
39 mins corner from Luton not cleared properly and O'Connor took a whack at the ball but it came back to him and his second shot miskicked to Crow who turned quickly inside the 6 yard box to slide it into the net near the keeper's left hand post. No more than we deserved.
Lincoln gifting the ball to us consistently, or made to lose it by pressure. Late on Pilks headed the back of an opponent's head and needed treatment. He carried on to half time.
Kyle Perry played to type and tried on three occasions to con the referee with elaborate dives and was told to get up by the referee. Should have yellow carded him. Definitely should have yellow carded him when he virtually assaulted Howells but got away with a bollocking. The only real criticism of the first half was that on two occasions all the players had been drawn over to the Luton left side leaving the Lincoln left winger in acres and on one of those occasions he received the ball cut inside and let fly. Fortunately he was cluless and the shot endangered a light plane coming in to land at Lincoln airport more than it disturbed Pilks in the Luton goal.
Second half, Luton brought on Hand for Pilks (I'm guessing concussion) and Keane dropped to CB. Lincoln had had a rocket and they applied themselves a lot more and started closing us down as we had them in the first half. We stopped closing down players who had the ball and seemed to invite them to come forward. Very perplexing to see this when in the first half closing them down quickly stopped them playing.
Lincoln gained confidence. The introduction of Taylor helped them too. Luton were creating little or nothing and seemed happy to defend the goal lead, a suspect strategy given our lack of clean sheets. The referee began to lose the plot a bit and started throwing yellow cards about for offences less serious than those that only got a word in the ear in the first half. A rugby tackle by Gowling only got a yellow card then Jamie hand got one for a basic trip, and Lawless got one for an attempted hack which never landed followed by a silly trip before the advantage given had accrued.
Power finally got one but he had to commit 4 trips compared to everyone else's 1. Then what was threatened happened. Luton had been defending in depth and only clearing the ball to a Lincoln player for about 10 minutes and finally a cross came in which was headed on and Hinds got a touch with Pilks the gloves stopping it but not till it had just crossed the line for the equaliser.
If the referee had lost the plot so had Luton and despite a few forays into the Lincoln penalty area which just didn't fall right to the belatedly introduced Blunt, Luton lost the ball on the edge of the Lincoln area and a hopeful lob out of defence looked to have been going to Taylor and Lawless took him out and the referee had set his precedents such that there was no option but to give him a second yellow and put the Lincoln dressing room walls in danger.
A clever run by Dance led to his running into the box and slipping the ball across the edge of the six yard box and whether Adam Watkins din't call or Brunt ignored the call I don't know but a dummy by Brunt would have let the ball go to the unmarked Watkins for a side foot into the net, but Brunt met the ball and played it backwards out of danger and a longish shot sailed over the bar.
Willmott had earlier got a yellow card for leaving the field too slowly when subbed for Dance and then on 80 minutes Sheridan went off when subbed even more slowly and the referee did nothing and bollocked Gleeson for bringing this inconsistency to his attention. Overall the late passages of play suggested that Lincoln had become the team most likely to win the game and when another gifting of the ball on the edge of the Lincoln area while Luton had committed defenders forward saw the ball cleared down the middle and I think it was the fresh legs of Taylor which were about to leave Hand for dead and take the substitute through the gaping hole down the middle, leaving Hand little option but to 'invite him to sit down' and 'take one for the team' with a blatant push to earn a second yellow card and the Hatters' second red card of the evening.
Fortunately, the referee blew for time before Lincoln could take any advantage of Luton's 9 men.
Lincoln were there for the taking and it should have been game over by half time. Even at 1-0, if they had have continued to play in the same way in the second half as they did in the first, Lincoln would not have had a sniff. This was definitely a case of two points lost not one gained.
4-5-1 again - too defensive again away from home.
Started too slowly against a side showing nothing to hurt us.
Played some delightful football but lacked punch in the final third. Crow was lone striker.
Lovely header into the net from a corner ruled out because the assistant referee flagged that the ball had been curled over the line before it got to the middle so goal kick given.
Plenty of incisive passing and couldn't see Lincoln scoring if they played until Saturday as we bossed midfield and Pilks and Kovacs clearing everything. Pressure put on any Lincoln player in possession and robbed them of the ball almost at will.
A referee who seemed happy to talk to players rather than throw cards at them. Thought he was excellent first half as we were. However, the lack of a second striker seemed a mistake as we should have been out of sight by half time. Midfielders playing well too. Howells getting forward and cutting in or going outside defenders who hadn't a clue how to deal with him.
39 mins corner from Luton not cleared properly and O'Connor took a whack at the ball but it came back to him and his second shot miskicked to Crow who turned quickly inside the 6 yard box to slide it into the net near the keeper's left hand post. No more than we deserved.
Lincoln gifting the ball to us consistently, or made to lose it by pressure. Late on Pilks headed the back of an opponent's head and needed treatment. He carried on to half time.
Kyle Perry played to type and tried on three occasions to con the referee with elaborate dives and was told to get up by the referee. Should have yellow carded him. Definitely should have yellow carded him when he virtually assaulted Howells but got away with a bollocking. The only real criticism of the first half was that on two occasions all the players had been drawn over to the Luton left side leaving the Lincoln left winger in acres and on one of those occasions he received the ball cut inside and let fly. Fortunately he was cluless and the shot endangered a light plane coming in to land at Lincoln airport more than it disturbed Pilks in the Luton goal.
Second half, Luton brought on Hand for Pilks (I'm guessing concussion) and Keane dropped to CB. Lincoln had had a rocket and they applied themselves a lot more and started closing us down as we had them in the first half. We stopped closing down players who had the ball and seemed to invite them to come forward. Very perplexing to see this when in the first half closing them down quickly stopped them playing.
Lincoln gained confidence. The introduction of Taylor helped them too. Luton were creating little or nothing and seemed happy to defend the goal lead, a suspect strategy given our lack of clean sheets. The referee began to lose the plot a bit and started throwing yellow cards about for offences less serious than those that only got a word in the ear in the first half. A rugby tackle by Gowling only got a yellow card then Jamie hand got one for a basic trip, and Lawless got one for an attempted hack which never landed followed by a silly trip before the advantage given had accrued.
Power finally got one but he had to commit 4 trips compared to everyone else's 1. Then what was threatened happened. Luton had been defending in depth and only clearing the ball to a Lincoln player for about 10 minutes and finally a cross came in which was headed on and Hinds got a touch with Pilks the gloves stopping it but not till it had just crossed the line for the equaliser.
If the referee had lost the plot so had Luton and despite a few forays into the Lincoln penalty area which just didn't fall right to the belatedly introduced Blunt, Luton lost the ball on the edge of the Lincoln area and a hopeful lob out of defence looked to have been going to Taylor and Lawless took him out and the referee had set his precedents such that there was no option but to give him a second yellow and put the Lincoln dressing room walls in danger.
A clever run by Dance led to his running into the box and slipping the ball across the edge of the six yard box and whether Adam Watkins din't call or Brunt ignored the call I don't know but a dummy by Brunt would have let the ball go to the unmarked Watkins for a side foot into the net, but Brunt met the ball and played it backwards out of danger and a longish shot sailed over the bar.
Willmott had earlier got a yellow card for leaving the field too slowly when subbed for Dance and then on 80 minutes Sheridan went off when subbed even more slowly and the referee did nothing and bollocked Gleeson for bringing this inconsistency to his attention. Overall the late passages of play suggested that Lincoln had become the team most likely to win the game and when another gifting of the ball on the edge of the Lincoln area while Luton had committed defenders forward saw the ball cleared down the middle and I think it was the fresh legs of Taylor which were about to leave Hand for dead and take the substitute through the gaping hole down the middle, leaving Hand little option but to 'invite him to sit down' and 'take one for the team' with a blatant push to earn a second yellow card and the Hatters' second red card of the evening.
Fortunately, the referee blew for time before Lincoln could take any advantage of Luton's 9 men.
Lincoln were there for the taking and it should have been game over by half time. Even at 1-0, if they had have continued to play in the same way in the second half as they did in the first, Lincoln would not have had a sniff. This was definitely a case of two points lost not one gained.
Friday 25 November 2011
Loan window closed
So the loan window has closed and saw late loan deals out of the club for Will Antwi (Grimsby) and Charlie Henry (Aldershot). I can see the logic in both of those deals for Luton. Charlie needs to play games and if he can get that in the Football League then it can only be a benefit. As far as Will is concerned, he didn't do a bad job when he was playing during our spell of the long defensive injury list, but the arrival of Kovacs has left him unlikely to get a game here now and if Janos stays beyond January, and Will does OK at Grimsby, the move may well be made permanent.
I made a statement last week after the Northampton victory about Adam Watkins, that I felt he was ready for regular starts. I made this comment after seeing him make a big difference to the play in a few games, and certainly in an air of euphoria after he had scored the winner over the Cobblers, but after checking some match notes, I noticed that he has always starred coming on as a substitute whereas when he has started he has struggled to get into the game early on, and has not played as well overall. I began to wonder whether perhaps Brabs has got it right with him, and that he gets the best out of the player as a substitute. If so there has to be a reason and I believe I have found it.
A source close to the player revealed that Adam suffers from nerves before a game and it takes him a while to shake them off when he starts but when he is on the bench he doesn't know when or even if he will be used and so has no time to think about it and therefore just gets on with it. That would answer a lot of questions including why Brabs has said in the past that he wants to bring him along slowly. Well there you go - what do I know? I guess that's why Brabs gets the big bucks and I am looking for a job!
I made a statement last week after the Northampton victory about Adam Watkins, that I felt he was ready for regular starts. I made this comment after seeing him make a big difference to the play in a few games, and certainly in an air of euphoria after he had scored the winner over the Cobblers, but after checking some match notes, I noticed that he has always starred coming on as a substitute whereas when he has started he has struggled to get into the game early on, and has not played as well overall. I began to wonder whether perhaps Brabs has got it right with him, and that he gets the best out of the player as a substitute. If so there has to be a reason and I believe I have found it.
A source close to the player revealed that Adam suffers from nerves before a game and it takes him a while to shake them off when he starts but when he is on the bench he doesn't know when or even if he will be used and so has no time to think about it and therefore just gets on with it. That would answer a lot of questions including why Brabs has said in the past that he wants to bring him along slowly. Well there you go - what do I know? I guess that's why Brabs gets the big bucks and I am looking for a job!
Friday 18 November 2011
What An Enormous Squad?
There seems to be a lot of complaints among fans that we have too big a squad. Is there no pleasing some fans? During the close season there were rumblings that we hadn’t made any signings, the squad was too small and were going to get left behind. Now we have too many? Now we have the biggest squad in the league and the highest wage bill? In my opinion Gary Brabin has done a pretty decent job on the building of a squad and I don’t believe for a minute that his building has finished. Firstly, we have had incredibly bad luck with injuries and we could have stuck with the squad we had and try to weather the injury crisis, but instead Brabin was allowed to bring in replacements. He only brought in players who he felt would improve us overall, or who he wanted to have a look at on short term contracts. This has meant that some of the players brought in after the season began have been superseded in the pecking order. Players like Will Antwi and Dean Beckwith, first choice when injuries were rife in that defence, now cannot get a look in with Pilks back and Kovacs staying on. Perhaps some of these players will go along the same route as Collin Samuel and be released, or perhaps they will get their contracts extended to the end of the season. Who knows at this stage?
Even with all the changes in personnel, the budget this season is lower than at any time in our non-league history. The transfer dealings have been very canny and despite rumours to the contrary, players still want to play for Luton Town
Our squad, after the deregistration of Freddie Murray but after the signing of Taylor and Brunt, including the development players but not the Youth players, and including loan players in, but not out is: 29 of which 7 are forwards. Using similar criteria there would seem to be at least 5 clubs with a larger squad than ours. Whilst I acknowledge that things such as squad size are constantly fluid, and it is virtually impossible to be 100% correct, the following League table, give or take the odd one here and there is not far out. The brackets are players listed as forwards.
Fleetwood 33 (7)
Hayes 28 (8)
Wrexham 26 (6)
Forest Green 25 (5)
Alfreton 25 (5)
Barrow 24 (5)
Ebbsfleet 24 (5)
Last year, I’m given to understand that Crawley Town
In the overall scheme of things, then, it would appear that we are not particularly over-endowed with players or indeed forwards compared to everyone else.
Some Hatters fans will never be happy whatever happens relating to the club, but let us not criticise management based on conjecture and made up facts put about by some individuals to suit an agenda. There is too much negativity among the fans, much of it deliberately fuelled on websites by people with ulterior motives and I’m convinced it rubs off on everyone associated with the running of the club and worse than that, the players.
Tuesday 15 November 2011
A right kick in the Cobblers'...!
Victory over our Football League visitors Northampton Town put us in the hat for the second round on Saturday. We now know that Cheltenham Town will be the visitors, and we should be ready to give them a game at Kenilworth Road.
OK, the match against Northampton was not exactly inspiring in the first half, but at least we had the laughable Andy D'Urso in the middle doing what he does best - screwing Luton Town, and that gave us something to focus on while the ball was to-ing and fro-ing, as both sides struggled to maintain possession. At least the Cobblers played the game and were not throwing themselves on the floor and time wasting.
The second half was much more entertaining and with a little more composure at the sharp end and a little more support from D'Urso I think we would have put the game to bed much more easily and could have won it 3 or 4 - nil. That of course is notwithstanding Northampton's inability to convert at least 2 golden opportunities to have scored themselves.
I don't want to harp on about referees every week, and as an ex-referee myself, I can often see a referee's thinking when decisions are contentious. In these cases the decision-making is purely a matter of opinion. These are the kind of decisions that balance out over a season, but it is total ineptitude, or lack of bottle, or an apparent shall we say 'lack of sympathy' for a particular club, which makes me seethe. I think Mr Davies against Fleetwood Town definitely fell in the first and second category whereas the likes of Mr D'Urso and Mr Kettle are concerned, it happens time and again, so let us say, ' the jury is out!'
I am beginning to wonder if referees have got fed up of awarding penalty kicks which we then fail to convert so have decided not to bother 'wasting' those big decisions on us! Hmmmmm?
So finally Luton overcame the lack of 'rub of the green', and stormed the Cobblers' goal and although the Hatters deserved victory, it was beginning to look like we would not get the important goal. Enter Adam Supersub Watkins. He came on and immediately changed the course of the match. He was very soon involved and looked yet again a real prospect. He latched on to a loose ball on the edge of the area and buried it in the bottom corner and it was a right kick in the Cobblers'.......confidence. The lad is a very useful player with skill strength and pace, but he has the gift that you cannot teach, train or develop... the knack. Even when he finds himself in a position that is not necessarily a logical one for involvement, the ball finds him and he scores out of seemingly nothing. That is a very good attribute to have and many a player has made a top flight career out of 'the knack'. Adam happens to have the knack and the other attributes mentioned earlier, so let us hope he can go through the leagues with us, and not outgrow us and have to move on up the ladder alone. I'm beginning to get a little thin on patience with Gary Brabin regarding Adam. I know there is a danger of burn-out for very young players if they are over played and lack physique, and it takes a while for many teenage players to develop that physical strength, but Adam is now 20 years old and has the physical and mental strength to be involved more often than he is. To quote a man who knew a 'little bit' about the game, Sir Matthew Busby, "If they are good enough - they are old enough", I think it's time to say that Adam is now both!
So we are drawn at home against Cheltenham Town, currently third in League two and fresh from dumping League one Tranmere Rovers out of the Cup. They will come here full of expectation and will be a very difficult team to beat, but we will give them a game and another shock result is not impossible.
OK, the match against Northampton was not exactly inspiring in the first half, but at least we had the laughable Andy D'Urso in the middle doing what he does best - screwing Luton Town, and that gave us something to focus on while the ball was to-ing and fro-ing, as both sides struggled to maintain possession. At least the Cobblers played the game and were not throwing themselves on the floor and time wasting.
The second half was much more entertaining and with a little more composure at the sharp end and a little more support from D'Urso I think we would have put the game to bed much more easily and could have won it 3 or 4 - nil. That of course is notwithstanding Northampton's inability to convert at least 2 golden opportunities to have scored themselves.
I don't want to harp on about referees every week, and as an ex-referee myself, I can often see a referee's thinking when decisions are contentious. In these cases the decision-making is purely a matter of opinion. These are the kind of decisions that balance out over a season, but it is total ineptitude, or lack of bottle, or an apparent shall we say 'lack of sympathy' for a particular club, which makes me seethe. I think Mr Davies against Fleetwood Town definitely fell in the first and second category whereas the likes of Mr D'Urso and Mr Kettle are concerned, it happens time and again, so let us say, ' the jury is out!'
I am beginning to wonder if referees have got fed up of awarding penalty kicks which we then fail to convert so have decided not to bother 'wasting' those big decisions on us! Hmmmmm?
So finally Luton overcame the lack of 'rub of the green', and stormed the Cobblers' goal and although the Hatters deserved victory, it was beginning to look like we would not get the important goal. Enter Adam Supersub Watkins. He came on and immediately changed the course of the match. He was very soon involved and looked yet again a real prospect. He latched on to a loose ball on the edge of the area and buried it in the bottom corner and it was a right kick in the Cobblers'.......confidence. The lad is a very useful player with skill strength and pace, but he has the gift that you cannot teach, train or develop... the knack. Even when he finds himself in a position that is not necessarily a logical one for involvement, the ball finds him and he scores out of seemingly nothing. That is a very good attribute to have and many a player has made a top flight career out of 'the knack'. Adam happens to have the knack and the other attributes mentioned earlier, so let us hope he can go through the leagues with us, and not outgrow us and have to move on up the ladder alone. I'm beginning to get a little thin on patience with Gary Brabin regarding Adam. I know there is a danger of burn-out for very young players if they are over played and lack physique, and it takes a while for many teenage players to develop that physical strength, but Adam is now 20 years old and has the physical and mental strength to be involved more often than he is. To quote a man who knew a 'little bit' about the game, Sir Matthew Busby, "If they are good enough - they are old enough", I think it's time to say that Adam is now both!
So we are drawn at home against Cheltenham Town, currently third in League two and fresh from dumping League one Tranmere Rovers out of the Cup. They will come here full of expectation and will be a very difficult team to beat, but we will give them a game and another shock result is not impossible.
Wednesday 9 November 2011
Oh my, what a referee.......
Before commenting on the performances of the two teams I have to say that Saturday's refereeing performance was one of the worst I have seen since Andy D'Urso! Mr Davies seemed unwilling or unable to make any major decisions and in the first half in particular was very close to losing control of the match altogether. Major wrong or non decisions were instrumental in the way the match developed and had the correct decisions been made the outcome might have been so different.
I was amazed at the end when Curtis Osano was named man of the match because although he had a lot of possession and was involved a great deal in the match, he created very little and defended poorly. Having strode forward and lost possession or made poor attempts to cross the ball, he did get back very quickly proving he has the fitness and the 'engine' but when tracking back was constantly too far infield and left either Brodie or Vardy unmarked out wide and therefore found himself being bypassed by some accurate passing by Fleetwood Town, notably for the first goal.
The match began with Luton taking the game to their visitors but it was clear early on that the very big players of the Cod Army were not going to give Luton space and were very quick to press anyone in possession of the ball. That said, for 20 minutes Fleetwood looked all at sea in defence and with a little more luck Luton might have had a couple of goals and possibly two penalty kicks, one for a foul on O'Connor and another for a blatant handball in the area. O'Connor made it easy for the referee to fail to give a penalty in the 7th minute, when he jinked into the box and played the ball beyond a hesitant defender who stuck out a leg tripping him. The boy was too honest and tried to stay on his feet and the chance was lost whereas had he gone down, the decision was an easy one, it had to have been a penalty kick.
Diminutive left back Brown was having a nightmare and it was very disappointing when he went off injured, because he was a liability, and Willmott, O'Connor and Fleetwood had already shown that he was there for the taking, and his replacement looked a whole lot more composed.
In the 9th minute the dangerous Vardy was sent through got a toe to the ball as Pilkington made his challenge sending the striker up in the air after the ball had long gone for a definite yellow card which duly came.
Then in the 11th minute a tackle on AMS just inside the Fleetwood half, in front of the Bobbers stand, was more GBH than tackle and not only was it a foul but a stonewall yellow and borderline red card offence, but Mr Davies waved play on. Immediately from this outrageous decision, Vardy was out wide left and Osano, who was tracking back on a line towards the left hand goal post instead of going to the right back channel, saw a superb pass from Clancy go sailing by him to Vardy, who was clear, and raced in towards goal. Tyler will know in retrospect that he would have been better staying between his posts but he was exposed and ran out leaving the in-form striker the easiest of opportunities to chip it past him into the empty net. It was more than they deserved but it would never have happened in the referee had done his job over the earlier foul. Up to that point all the good football had come from the Hatters and the disappointment of conceding the first goal was palpable.
Shortly afterwards, Vardy controlled the ball with his hand then drove the ball against the woodwork resulting in a free kick but then kicked the ball away and was booked. I'm not sure which offence he was booked for but they were both bookable offences but this referee was not about to take it that far. Tackles were now flying in all over the place as the players sensed that the referee's control was, to say the least, tenuous and it looked as though there would be a sending off sooner rather than later, if the referee didn't bottle it, but bottle it he did at least twice.
On 43 minutes, as the temperature of the game was reaching boiling point, Fleetwood put a foot in on Shaun Beeley and was deserving of a yellow card, but the referee blew for a free kick and was not going to book the Hatters striker. However, as the referee moved away, Beeley got up and set about Fleetwood, firstly thrusting his chest against him and then pushing his hand in his face. The experienced former Hereford player merely held his hands away from the action and did not retaliate, which was the correct thing to do. The Assistant Referee flagged and after the referee had consulted him it seemed the only course of action was a red card for Beeley. Incredulously, the referee gave a yellow card to both players, which seemed harsh on Fleetwood and lenient for Beeley, notwithstanding the original challenge.
The look on the referee's face as he came near to the touchline below where I was sitting was very stressed and he blew his cheeks out when yet another tasty foul went in and it looked as though he couldn't wait for the half to end. There was still time in the 5 added minutes for a very rash challenge from Pilkington, but it was on Brodie so eminently forgivable! The referee went over to the two prostrate players and reached towards his pocket and took out his book. The correct decision would have been a second yellow for Pilks and an early bath, but upon seeing blood on Pilkington's face the referee repocketed his book and called Simon Parsell on to the pitch to deal with the injury. Pilks was led down the tunnel probably for stitches and the referee gladly blew for half time. The referee was then delayed in leaving the field having a conversation with a Luton player in the other half of the pitch, so was not handily placed when the tunnel extension began to rock back and forth as the players set about each other inside it. When the referee arrived he stood on the field looking as though he didn't want to see what was happening. God forbid he should have another decision to make. When it had all died down the three officials were escorted from the field and therefore did not have to deal with it.
The second half began with the Town once again attacking well and on 49 minutes the ball was crossed into the Fleetwood penalty area and was bobbling around until a hacked clearance went out to Willmott, who crossed again only for Jackson to attempt unsuccessfully to chest the ball but needed the help of an arm to stop it going past him and with no excuses whatsoever the well positioned referee ignored the offence and sprinted off into the other half. At that point you just knew that it was never going to be your day! It continued to be nip and tuck as the Hatters strove for an equaliser, but in the 66th minute a typical forward's challenge in the penalty area saw AMS get wrong sided, ironically by Jackson, the earlier handball offender in his own box, and as AMS made a challenge the Fleetwood player made sure that the hanging foot of AMS was hooked and he went down like the proverbial sack of effluent. The referee looked as though he was going to wave it away but the Assistant waved his flag violently and across his chest it went and the referee was forced to accept the advice and award a penalty kick.
Milligan netted for a 2-0 lead and regrettably the Town began to resort to desperation tactics and far too many hoofed long balls were delivered with the Fleetwood players now cock-a-hoop and able to deal with that quite easily. It wasn't until the last five minutes that Luton really got it on the ground and tried to play football again. With time all but gone a clipped cross from the left was headed sweetly into the top corner by Kovacs but the referee blew immediately after the restart.
It was not a great performance by the Town but it wasn't as bad as some have suggested. A draw would have been a fair result; but when push came to shove they scored 2 and we didn't. I imagine that the referee must have known what a 'mare he had and if he didn't the assessor will no doubt have pointed it out to him. I just hope he is not allowed near another BSP fixture until he learns to make a decision.
I was amazed at the end when Curtis Osano was named man of the match because although he had a lot of possession and was involved a great deal in the match, he created very little and defended poorly. Having strode forward and lost possession or made poor attempts to cross the ball, he did get back very quickly proving he has the fitness and the 'engine' but when tracking back was constantly too far infield and left either Brodie or Vardy unmarked out wide and therefore found himself being bypassed by some accurate passing by Fleetwood Town, notably for the first goal.
The match began with Luton taking the game to their visitors but it was clear early on that the very big players of the Cod Army were not going to give Luton space and were very quick to press anyone in possession of the ball. That said, for 20 minutes Fleetwood looked all at sea in defence and with a little more luck Luton might have had a couple of goals and possibly two penalty kicks, one for a foul on O'Connor and another for a blatant handball in the area. O'Connor made it easy for the referee to fail to give a penalty in the 7th minute, when he jinked into the box and played the ball beyond a hesitant defender who stuck out a leg tripping him. The boy was too honest and tried to stay on his feet and the chance was lost whereas had he gone down, the decision was an easy one, it had to have been a penalty kick.
Diminutive left back Brown was having a nightmare and it was very disappointing when he went off injured, because he was a liability, and Willmott, O'Connor and Fleetwood had already shown that he was there for the taking, and his replacement looked a whole lot more composed.
In the 9th minute the dangerous Vardy was sent through got a toe to the ball as Pilkington made his challenge sending the striker up in the air after the ball had long gone for a definite yellow card which duly came.
Then in the 11th minute a tackle on AMS just inside the Fleetwood half, in front of the Bobbers stand, was more GBH than tackle and not only was it a foul but a stonewall yellow and borderline red card offence, but Mr Davies waved play on. Immediately from this outrageous decision, Vardy was out wide left and Osano, who was tracking back on a line towards the left hand goal post instead of going to the right back channel, saw a superb pass from Clancy go sailing by him to Vardy, who was clear, and raced in towards goal. Tyler will know in retrospect that he would have been better staying between his posts but he was exposed and ran out leaving the in-form striker the easiest of opportunities to chip it past him into the empty net. It was more than they deserved but it would never have happened in the referee had done his job over the earlier foul. Up to that point all the good football had come from the Hatters and the disappointment of conceding the first goal was palpable.
Shortly afterwards, Vardy controlled the ball with his hand then drove the ball against the woodwork resulting in a free kick but then kicked the ball away and was booked. I'm not sure which offence he was booked for but they were both bookable offences but this referee was not about to take it that far. Tackles were now flying in all over the place as the players sensed that the referee's control was, to say the least, tenuous and it looked as though there would be a sending off sooner rather than later, if the referee didn't bottle it, but bottle it he did at least twice.
On 43 minutes, as the temperature of the game was reaching boiling point, Fleetwood put a foot in on Shaun Beeley and was deserving of a yellow card, but the referee blew for a free kick and was not going to book the Hatters striker. However, as the referee moved away, Beeley got up and set about Fleetwood, firstly thrusting his chest against him and then pushing his hand in his face. The experienced former Hereford player merely held his hands away from the action and did not retaliate, which was the correct thing to do. The Assistant Referee flagged and after the referee had consulted him it seemed the only course of action was a red card for Beeley. Incredulously, the referee gave a yellow card to both players, which seemed harsh on Fleetwood and lenient for Beeley, notwithstanding the original challenge.
The look on the referee's face as he came near to the touchline below where I was sitting was very stressed and he blew his cheeks out when yet another tasty foul went in and it looked as though he couldn't wait for the half to end. There was still time in the 5 added minutes for a very rash challenge from Pilkington, but it was on Brodie so eminently forgivable! The referee went over to the two prostrate players and reached towards his pocket and took out his book. The correct decision would have been a second yellow for Pilks and an early bath, but upon seeing blood on Pilkington's face the referee repocketed his book and called Simon Parsell on to the pitch to deal with the injury. Pilks was led down the tunnel probably for stitches and the referee gladly blew for half time. The referee was then delayed in leaving the field having a conversation with a Luton player in the other half of the pitch, so was not handily placed when the tunnel extension began to rock back and forth as the players set about each other inside it. When the referee arrived he stood on the field looking as though he didn't want to see what was happening. God forbid he should have another decision to make. When it had all died down the three officials were escorted from the field and therefore did not have to deal with it.
The second half began with the Town once again attacking well and on 49 minutes the ball was crossed into the Fleetwood penalty area and was bobbling around until a hacked clearance went out to Willmott, who crossed again only for Jackson to attempt unsuccessfully to chest the ball but needed the help of an arm to stop it going past him and with no excuses whatsoever the well positioned referee ignored the offence and sprinted off into the other half. At that point you just knew that it was never going to be your day! It continued to be nip and tuck as the Hatters strove for an equaliser, but in the 66th minute a typical forward's challenge in the penalty area saw AMS get wrong sided, ironically by Jackson, the earlier handball offender in his own box, and as AMS made a challenge the Fleetwood player made sure that the hanging foot of AMS was hooked and he went down like the proverbial sack of effluent. The referee looked as though he was going to wave it away but the Assistant waved his flag violently and across his chest it went and the referee was forced to accept the advice and award a penalty kick.
Milligan netted for a 2-0 lead and regrettably the Town began to resort to desperation tactics and far too many hoofed long balls were delivered with the Fleetwood players now cock-a-hoop and able to deal with that quite easily. It wasn't until the last five minutes that Luton really got it on the ground and tried to play football again. With time all but gone a clipped cross from the left was headed sweetly into the top corner by Kovacs but the referee blew immediately after the restart.
It was not a great performance by the Town but it wasn't as bad as some have suggested. A draw would have been a fair result; but when push came to shove they scored 2 and we didn't. I imagine that the referee must have known what a 'mare he had and if he didn't the assessor will no doubt have pointed it out to him. I just hope he is not allowed near another BSP fixture until he learns to make a decision.
Monday 17 October 2011
Progress report
So, after the unfortunate two defeats in a row, The Hatters have turned it around gaining 10 points from the last available 12. Before that run began, I'm sure that most sane Luton fans would have taken that, but because the two dropped points were at Ebbsfleet, the doom mongers are still bitching. The team bounced back from the defeat at home to Cambridge with a 5-1 humbling of a weakened Barrow side and then won at Kidderminster, who were there or thereabouts at the top end of the table at the time, and a draw would have been a good result. A victory was a great result. At Ebbsfleet, I felt that the team selection and tactics were not the best they could have been, but then, those tactics brought us a two goal lead, so maybe they were not too far wide of the mark. In opting to try to defend that lead, however, rather than push on to rub it in, they were caught out by a decent strike and then one of the luckiest goals you will see. It was unfortunate, yes, but not enough to provoke some of the fans comments, and whatever you think of individual players, there is never an excuse to single them out and abuse or boo them. Gary Sweet, in his programme notes for Gateshead, may have chosen an unusual medium to convey his point, but he was spot on with the content. For God's sake put an end to that sort of behaviour, it will never be productive and more probably will be counter productive. We want all players giving their all and not letting their heads drop and being afraid to try anything in case it goes wrong and they get more of the same treatment. I would have been happy with four points from Kidderminster and Ebbsfleet both away from home and although it was 'the wrong way round' that is what we achieved.
Once again the lads bounced back from the disappointment at Ebbsfleet, against early runaway leaders, Gateshead, who had already been awarded the title by many Luton fans a couple of weeks ago when they were top, giving them a lesson in football and thrashing them 5-1. Now that was a disappointing result for some of the message board moaners! It also showed Jon Shaw what he was missing!
Can I just point out that Luton are equal third in the table with York City, equal top goalscorers in the division with York City, and have, after Wrexham, the equal second best goal difference in the division, with York City, and York City is one of the teams that the 'agenda people' having been creaming their jeans over? All this with virtually an entire back four out for most of the season with injury? Now some of these players have come back in, probably a little earlier than they should have due to lack of match fitness, we are starting to show a bit more flair and killer instinct. Supporting the team through thick and thin is not being a happy clapper, it is being a true supporter. If anyone has a beef about something, then there are channels to address their issues. Booing players and the manager is an inappropriate way to get a point across.
Now onto self congratulation. In an earlier blog when Aaron O'Connor was getting 'the Carden treatment' from a conclave of alleged Luton fans, I said that he was a much better player than he had shown in the first few games he played for us, and that he would come good and show the boo boys what he could do. I rest that particular case! Similarly, I said something akin to that about Curtis Osano, and he is beginning to show signs of proving my point there too. However, I was unsure about the virtue of signing Jamie Hand and he has made his case with a sterling performance on Saturday and I am very pleased to have been proven wrong in doubting him. However, I would never have abused him verbally nor booed him had he struggled to make an impact.
Another little point to be aired is regarding the signing today of Tommy Wright on a three month contract. The ink is not yet dry on the contract and straight away, the usual suspects are slating him. I don't know a great deal about Tommy, but he has signed for us and will be wearing the hallowed shirt, so here's a radical proposal. How about we give him at least ten minutes on the field before we decide if he is any good? Not two months ago 2020 were being castigated because we had made no signings, then when we do they get slated before they kick a ball in anger.However, he looks a big lad and I would suggest that he can handle himself on the field and will certainly give some defenders something to think about. Let us hope in doing that he can make some telling assists and score a few goals. Fair play to the manager and 2020, they have covered the bases and although it leaves us with an unwieldy squad of around 28 to 30 players, they have acted positively when they have needed to. Let us see how the other contenders deal with losing a few players through illness, injury and suspensions.
Wrexham, our visitors on Tuesday evening, are currently top of the pile and will remain so regardless of the results of tomorrow's matches, but it would be great to carry on from Saturday, halt their progress and put pressure on them at the top.
Go get 'em boys! And let us get right behind them, however the match pans out.
Once again the lads bounced back from the disappointment at Ebbsfleet, against early runaway leaders, Gateshead, who had already been awarded the title by many Luton fans a couple of weeks ago when they were top, giving them a lesson in football and thrashing them 5-1. Now that was a disappointing result for some of the message board moaners! It also showed Jon Shaw what he was missing!
Can I just point out that Luton are equal third in the table with York City, equal top goalscorers in the division with York City, and have, after Wrexham, the equal second best goal difference in the division, with York City, and York City is one of the teams that the 'agenda people' having been creaming their jeans over? All this with virtually an entire back four out for most of the season with injury? Now some of these players have come back in, probably a little earlier than they should have due to lack of match fitness, we are starting to show a bit more flair and killer instinct. Supporting the team through thick and thin is not being a happy clapper, it is being a true supporter. If anyone has a beef about something, then there are channels to address their issues. Booing players and the manager is an inappropriate way to get a point across.
Now onto self congratulation. In an earlier blog when Aaron O'Connor was getting 'the Carden treatment' from a conclave of alleged Luton fans, I said that he was a much better player than he had shown in the first few games he played for us, and that he would come good and show the boo boys what he could do. I rest that particular case! Similarly, I said something akin to that about Curtis Osano, and he is beginning to show signs of proving my point there too. However, I was unsure about the virtue of signing Jamie Hand and he has made his case with a sterling performance on Saturday and I am very pleased to have been proven wrong in doubting him. However, I would never have abused him verbally nor booed him had he struggled to make an impact.
Another little point to be aired is regarding the signing today of Tommy Wright on a three month contract. The ink is not yet dry on the contract and straight away, the usual suspects are slating him. I don't know a great deal about Tommy, but he has signed for us and will be wearing the hallowed shirt, so here's a radical proposal. How about we give him at least ten minutes on the field before we decide if he is any good? Not two months ago 2020 were being castigated because we had made no signings, then when we do they get slated before they kick a ball in anger.However, he looks a big lad and I would suggest that he can handle himself on the field and will certainly give some defenders something to think about. Let us hope in doing that he can make some telling assists and score a few goals. Fair play to the manager and 2020, they have covered the bases and although it leaves us with an unwieldy squad of around 28 to 30 players, they have acted positively when they have needed to. Let us see how the other contenders deal with losing a few players through illness, injury and suspensions.
Wrexham, our visitors on Tuesday evening, are currently top of the pile and will remain so regardless of the results of tomorrow's matches, but it would be great to carry on from Saturday, halt their progress and put pressure on them at the top.
Go get 'em boys! And let us get right behind them, however the match pans out.
Tuesday 4 October 2011
Five star Hatters bounce back
Well! I didn't see that happening, especially after five minutes into the game. However, it just goes to show what can be achieved, even with a depleted team, when players are generally played in their strongest positions. Saturday's line up was balanced, something which cannot be said for the previous three games.
The general consensus after the recent dip in results was that too many players were being accommodated rather than played in their preferred positions and the change away from that certainly conjured a far more promising performance. To be honest, the manager should not have needed to be told that but let us hope he has now learned the lesson.
Let us look at the facts. Amari Morgan-Smith is the leading goalscorer and should therefore play up front, not out wide. That is not rocket science. When fit and available, Stuart Fleetwood should be up there alongside him. They will score goals, enough to allow for the defensive frailties shown with so many defenders injured.
In midfield, there has to be a mix of skills; a holding player, two out and out wingers and a playmaker. In defence a right sided full back, a left sided full back and two central defenders. 4-4-2, it is the Luton way! That line up provides balance and the ability to defend and attack. Putting too many eggs in some baskets and none in others leads to an imbalanced team and a lack of skills in some areas and too many in others.
We do not have wingers or full backs who are capable of doing both the roles of a right sided wing back apart from perhaps Keith Keane, although he is losing a bit of pace nowadays. On the left, Jake Howells, who has both the skills and the engine to cope with the task and Curtis Osano who has the pace going forward but doesn't get back quickly enough can be wing backs or out and out full backs. Freddie can do this when fit as well. Dance cannot defend, Ed cannot cross. Even when fit, Gleeson isn't the best crosser either. Willmott can't defend either, so why try to play the wing back formation down both flanks, when we don't have the right players fit to operate it, and it leaves us vulnerable to the counter attack?
So let's look at the options.
AMS and Fleetwood up front with Crow as back up and to be fresh legs.
Willmott and Dance on the wings.
Central midfield: Hand has proven to be a good defensive midfielder and so is Keith Keane, so one or the other for that role, (not both sacrificing a playmaker), and Lawless, Watson, Jake and Kissock to vie for the attacking midfield/playmaker role.
O'Connor can also play up front, down the right wing or behind the front two if tactical change is needed.
Gleeson when fit for right back, with Ed and Keane as other contenders. Jake, Osano and Freddie Murray and Blackett, when fit, to vie for left back.
When they are all fit and available we have Kovacs, Pilks, Antwi, Beckwith and Blackett for the two central defence positions with Keane more than capable of covering as he showed on Saturday.
Collin Samuel needs match fitness and we don't really know much about his strengths yet and similarly Charlie Henry other than he is a winger.
Between the sticks: We have arguably the best two goalkeepers in the division so that position isn't really an issue.
So now that I have cleared up where they should all be utilised, all Mr Brabin has to do is judge which are the fittest and in form and pick them. Simples!
This is a very strong squad when all are available and there is still room for James Constable to come in! ;-)
Next up Kiddy away. Let's go there and take the game to them and look to score some goals rather than sit back just trying not to be beaten. It's a tough game with the Harriers in form at the moment and with home advantage, but we have to get ourselves on a roll now. A victory there would certainly make a statement to the other teams at the top.
The general consensus after the recent dip in results was that too many players were being accommodated rather than played in their preferred positions and the change away from that certainly conjured a far more promising performance. To be honest, the manager should not have needed to be told that but let us hope he has now learned the lesson.
Let us look at the facts. Amari Morgan-Smith is the leading goalscorer and should therefore play up front, not out wide. That is not rocket science. When fit and available, Stuart Fleetwood should be up there alongside him. They will score goals, enough to allow for the defensive frailties shown with so many defenders injured.
In midfield, there has to be a mix of skills; a holding player, two out and out wingers and a playmaker. In defence a right sided full back, a left sided full back and two central defenders. 4-4-2, it is the Luton way! That line up provides balance and the ability to defend and attack. Putting too many eggs in some baskets and none in others leads to an imbalanced team and a lack of skills in some areas and too many in others.
We do not have wingers or full backs who are capable of doing both the roles of a right sided wing back apart from perhaps Keith Keane, although he is losing a bit of pace nowadays. On the left, Jake Howells, who has both the skills and the engine to cope with the task and Curtis Osano who has the pace going forward but doesn't get back quickly enough can be wing backs or out and out full backs. Freddie can do this when fit as well. Dance cannot defend, Ed cannot cross. Even when fit, Gleeson isn't the best crosser either. Willmott can't defend either, so why try to play the wing back formation down both flanks, when we don't have the right players fit to operate it, and it leaves us vulnerable to the counter attack?
So let's look at the options.
AMS and Fleetwood up front with Crow as back up and to be fresh legs.
Willmott and Dance on the wings.
Central midfield: Hand has proven to be a good defensive midfielder and so is Keith Keane, so one or the other for that role, (not both sacrificing a playmaker), and Lawless, Watson, Jake and Kissock to vie for the attacking midfield/playmaker role.
O'Connor can also play up front, down the right wing or behind the front two if tactical change is needed.
Gleeson when fit for right back, with Ed and Keane as other contenders. Jake, Osano and Freddie Murray and Blackett, when fit, to vie for left back.
When they are all fit and available we have Kovacs, Pilks, Antwi, Beckwith and Blackett for the two central defence positions with Keane more than capable of covering as he showed on Saturday.
Collin Samuel needs match fitness and we don't really know much about his strengths yet and similarly Charlie Henry other than he is a winger.
Between the sticks: We have arguably the best two goalkeepers in the division so that position isn't really an issue.
So now that I have cleared up where they should all be utilised, all Mr Brabin has to do is judge which are the fittest and in form and pick them. Simples!
This is a very strong squad when all are available and there is still room for James Constable to come in! ;-)
Next up Kiddy away. Let's go there and take the game to them and look to score some goals rather than sit back just trying not to be beaten. It's a tough game with the Harriers in form at the moment and with home advantage, but we have to get ourselves on a roll now. A victory there would certainly make a statement to the other teams at the top.
Thursday 29 September 2011
Bad week at the office
Well, my confidence in the team's ability seems to have been temporarily misplaced and our reign at the top of the table was very fleeting. Two bad results have seen us plummet to 9th in the league table. While it's not exactly terminal, it is not ideal and has played into the hands of the suicidal and those with an agenda once again to peddle their negativity on the fan sites. While other teams are getting on a roll we are apparently on a potentially downward spiral which must be halted quickly with a victory at home to Barrow on Saturday.
Firstly, I was unimpressed by the tactics at York City and I agree with some of the naysayers that Gary Brabin has a tendency to be negative away from home persisting with this 5-4-1/4-3-3 formation which leads to the isolation of the lone striker when the service from the 'wingbacks' is not at its best. The Luton way is 4-4-2 and not only usually brings success but is also more entertaining to watch. 4-3-3 is entertaining enough when all is going well, but this season it has not brought rewards leading to too many draws and on Saturday leading to being picked off by a lively York City. The defeat at home to Cambridge was disappointing on many levels. To start with the first half was good apart from the end result, but the second half was inept and while a draw was the least we deserved, on the overall 90 minutes, we did not show enough quality in the final third to deserve victory. I felt that the manager allowed the team to stagnate and made poor choices about the timing and nature of the substitutions.
Robbie Willmott played well in the first half and had a couple of the numerous chances made been taken we would not be involved with nit-picking the performance as we would probably have gone on to win comfortably. It reminded me of the three home defeats against Rushden, Kettering and Stevenage a couple of years ago. It seemed the longer it went on the confidence of the players drained and they ran out of ideas and were vulnerable to a sucker punch which eventually came. There never seems to be a plan B when things are not happening for us. So far, Aaron O'Connor has not made a significant difference when coming on as substitute, whereas Adam Watkins and JP Kissock have. I think O'Connor needs games to get some form back, and possibly not in the first team, he is a much better player than he has shown so far. Also, he should never be used as an impact substitute, it's simply not his style. I would have liked to see Watkins on at the start but at least at half time, and if we are going to concede silly goals then we have got to score more ourselves and two games without scoring is already two games too many. Stuart Fleetwood should not have to be coming back into midfield to get the ball, he should be allowed to roam free in the opponents' penalty area and sniff out half chances along with having the ball put in dangerous areas for him to head in. He will score if he gets the service, and provide lay-offs for a striking partner as long as there is one in the side! Perhaps out leading goalscorer AMS? Just a thought!
This season has so far been a disastrous one in terms of injury and suspension, but we have probably got the best squad in the league to deal with that and other teams will struggle if and when they run into such problems. Alex Lawless was suspended for Tuesday's game but may be out longer because he punched a wall and broke his hand at York. Well that is a great help to our plight! Also it has been well documented that half a dozen players are injured who would be in the squad were they fit. Well they are not and those coming in have got to do better. We need to get on our own roll and put together another undefeated run preferably with a run of victories to stay in touch and put pressure on those above. It is too early to predict what is going to happen by Christmas but I am still confident that we will be there or thereabouts by then and that we will push on to win the title even if we have to bring in reinforcements. I'd just like to see Mr Brabin get them playing a more attacking style of play home and away. There are no teams in this league that we could not beat; as I have said before they should be afraid of us, not the other way around. Players must be played in their best positions not merely accommodated. We have enough wingers not to play AMS out there and enough utility players not to need two defensive midfielders, one of those should have been sacrificed for young Watkins or Kissock.
I think the call by some for the manager to be sacked is ridiculous at this stage of the season especially when he has not had his full squad to choose from, and he has to be given time, but the pressure will no doubt be there for him and I hope it doesn't produce even more negative 'trying not to lose' tactics. Come on Gary let's go out to win, home or away, because strange though it may seem, the side effect from winning games is that you do not lose either!
Firstly, I was unimpressed by the tactics at York City and I agree with some of the naysayers that Gary Brabin has a tendency to be negative away from home persisting with this 5-4-1/4-3-3 formation which leads to the isolation of the lone striker when the service from the 'wingbacks' is not at its best. The Luton way is 4-4-2 and not only usually brings success but is also more entertaining to watch. 4-3-3 is entertaining enough when all is going well, but this season it has not brought rewards leading to too many draws and on Saturday leading to being picked off by a lively York City. The defeat at home to Cambridge was disappointing on many levels. To start with the first half was good apart from the end result, but the second half was inept and while a draw was the least we deserved, on the overall 90 minutes, we did not show enough quality in the final third to deserve victory. I felt that the manager allowed the team to stagnate and made poor choices about the timing and nature of the substitutions.
Robbie Willmott played well in the first half and had a couple of the numerous chances made been taken we would not be involved with nit-picking the performance as we would probably have gone on to win comfortably. It reminded me of the three home defeats against Rushden, Kettering and Stevenage a couple of years ago. It seemed the longer it went on the confidence of the players drained and they ran out of ideas and were vulnerable to a sucker punch which eventually came. There never seems to be a plan B when things are not happening for us. So far, Aaron O'Connor has not made a significant difference when coming on as substitute, whereas Adam Watkins and JP Kissock have. I think O'Connor needs games to get some form back, and possibly not in the first team, he is a much better player than he has shown so far. Also, he should never be used as an impact substitute, it's simply not his style. I would have liked to see Watkins on at the start but at least at half time, and if we are going to concede silly goals then we have got to score more ourselves and two games without scoring is already two games too many. Stuart Fleetwood should not have to be coming back into midfield to get the ball, he should be allowed to roam free in the opponents' penalty area and sniff out half chances along with having the ball put in dangerous areas for him to head in. He will score if he gets the service, and provide lay-offs for a striking partner as long as there is one in the side! Perhaps out leading goalscorer AMS? Just a thought!
This season has so far been a disastrous one in terms of injury and suspension, but we have probably got the best squad in the league to deal with that and other teams will struggle if and when they run into such problems. Alex Lawless was suspended for Tuesday's game but may be out longer because he punched a wall and broke his hand at York. Well that is a great help to our plight! Also it has been well documented that half a dozen players are injured who would be in the squad were they fit. Well they are not and those coming in have got to do better. We need to get on our own roll and put together another undefeated run preferably with a run of victories to stay in touch and put pressure on those above. It is too early to predict what is going to happen by Christmas but I am still confident that we will be there or thereabouts by then and that we will push on to win the title even if we have to bring in reinforcements. I'd just like to see Mr Brabin get them playing a more attacking style of play home and away. There are no teams in this league that we could not beat; as I have said before they should be afraid of us, not the other way around. Players must be played in their best positions not merely accommodated. We have enough wingers not to play AMS out there and enough utility players not to need two defensive midfielders, one of those should have been sacrificed for young Watkins or Kissock.
I think the call by some for the manager to be sacked is ridiculous at this stage of the season especially when he has not had his full squad to choose from, and he has to be given time, but the pressure will no doubt be there for him and I hope it doesn't produce even more negative 'trying not to lose' tactics. Come on Gary let's go out to win, home or away, because strange though it may seem, the side effect from winning games is that you do not lose either!
Wednesday 21 September 2011
Say 'we are top o' the league!'
Despite the disappointing result at Bath City last night, results elsewhere saw us go top of the league for the first time this season, albeit on goal difference. I'm not saying we will remain there permanently, there may be ups and downs. In fact it appears rare for the team that is top at Christmas to win the league. However, I firmly believe that we will be right up in the mix at Christmas and then push on from there strengthening in January if needs be.
So, how are we really doing? I know people on message boards are critical of our start, and some are fearful of the other three teams who are level on points with us, and a few that are currently only a point or two below that, including York City, but I find it hard to be critical of the Hatters or afraid of anyone in the league this season.
1) we have very long injury list, especially relating to defenders, yet we have conceded fewer goals than any of the other three and have the joint best defensive record in the league, so how good will we be when the injured defenders are fit?
2) we began with shortcomings in the striking department, but have the highest goals scored of anyone in the league bar none, and as a result of these two stats:
3) we obviously have the best goal difference.
4) we are the only team as yet unbeaten.
I know all the above is common knowledge so why be afraid of any of the teams level with us at present? I can't think of a reason. It is mooted that some of the challenging pack have some decent players, especially in the striking roles. Well - we have the best squad. Gary Brabin has identified weaknesses and has brought in players who have not only strengthened the squad generally but who all bring different attributes, giving him not only cover for injury and suspension, but also options to play different players for different tactical reasons. Incidentally, I think Stuart Fleetwood is by a long way the best striker in the division. He will not only score goals, but he has the ability to hold up play, his distribution is good and he will win balls in the opponents' penalty area creating chances for others. As far as scoring is concerned, he has been very close to scoring a lot of times in the few games he has played so far, but has been unlucky and one of these days he is going to have that little extra bit of luck and will score three or four in a match. What is more, I don't care if his goals are all from a yard out or go in off his arse! He gets in good positions, and that's instinctive. I was a little dubious about Jamie Hand coming in, but he has shown that, in this league, he is a very useful player. Jon Paul Kissock looks a great prospect and adds yet another dimension to midfield. Janos Kovacs looked a different class at Bath, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him come in permanently, nor would I rule out James Constable coming on board, either on an initial loan or else in January, to give us a boost. He is most certainly unhappy at Oxford and was so close to joining, in addition to Fleetwood, in the recent transfer window. As I mentioned before, Fleetwood was a snip and barely made a ripple in the club's finances to bring him in and the club sees this as the season to win the league, so they still have most of the fee they had agreed with Oxford for Constable, still in the coffers.
So good business has been done, in and out, and I can see no reason why the other teams in the division don't have a hell of a lot more to worry about in us, than we do in them. Luton fans have been fickle since time immemorial. We win a game, we are world beaters; lose one and we are rubbish. As we are unbeaten, we have to start complaining about draws now? Give me strength!
This IS our year! We SHALL be promoted!
Keep the faith and keep being the extra man especially at home.
So, how are we really doing? I know people on message boards are critical of our start, and some are fearful of the other three teams who are level on points with us, and a few that are currently only a point or two below that, including York City, but I find it hard to be critical of the Hatters or afraid of anyone in the league this season.
1) we have very long injury list, especially relating to defenders, yet we have conceded fewer goals than any of the other three and have the joint best defensive record in the league, so how good will we be when the injured defenders are fit?
2) we began with shortcomings in the striking department, but have the highest goals scored of anyone in the league bar none, and as a result of these two stats:
3) we obviously have the best goal difference.
4) we are the only team as yet unbeaten.
I know all the above is common knowledge so why be afraid of any of the teams level with us at present? I can't think of a reason. It is mooted that some of the challenging pack have some decent players, especially in the striking roles. Well - we have the best squad. Gary Brabin has identified weaknesses and has brought in players who have not only strengthened the squad generally but who all bring different attributes, giving him not only cover for injury and suspension, but also options to play different players for different tactical reasons. Incidentally, I think Stuart Fleetwood is by a long way the best striker in the division. He will not only score goals, but he has the ability to hold up play, his distribution is good and he will win balls in the opponents' penalty area creating chances for others. As far as scoring is concerned, he has been very close to scoring a lot of times in the few games he has played so far, but has been unlucky and one of these days he is going to have that little extra bit of luck and will score three or four in a match. What is more, I don't care if his goals are all from a yard out or go in off his arse! He gets in good positions, and that's instinctive. I was a little dubious about Jamie Hand coming in, but he has shown that, in this league, he is a very useful player. Jon Paul Kissock looks a great prospect and adds yet another dimension to midfield. Janos Kovacs looked a different class at Bath, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him come in permanently, nor would I rule out James Constable coming on board, either on an initial loan or else in January, to give us a boost. He is most certainly unhappy at Oxford and was so close to joining, in addition to Fleetwood, in the recent transfer window. As I mentioned before, Fleetwood was a snip and barely made a ripple in the club's finances to bring him in and the club sees this as the season to win the league, so they still have most of the fee they had agreed with Oxford for Constable, still in the coffers.
So good business has been done, in and out, and I can see no reason why the other teams in the division don't have a hell of a lot more to worry about in us, than we do in them. Luton fans have been fickle since time immemorial. We win a game, we are world beaters; lose one and we are rubbish. As we are unbeaten, we have to start complaining about draws now? Give me strength!
This IS our year! We SHALL be promoted!
Keep the faith and keep being the extra man especially at home.
Tuesday 20 September 2011
An old face returns!
Janos Kovacs, the giant Hungarian former Hatters defender has come in on a 1 month loan from Hereford United to ease Luton's mounting central defensive problems. With George Pilkington still out and Beckwith suspended for three games, the Hatters only have Will Antwi as a recognised Centre Back. Janos was a little hit and miss defensively for us when he played here but he was great in the air in both penalty areas.
Janos said: " I am very happy to be back and I will try to help this football club. This very beautiful football club.
Well observed Janos!
He will go straight into the squad for tonight's away match at Bath City.
Janos said: " I am very happy to be back and I will try to help this football club. This very beautiful football club.
Well observed Janos!
He will go straight into the squad for tonight's away match at Bath City.
Thursday 15 September 2011
Hatters train is back on the rails
After an unbeaten, but hit and miss start, it looks as though the Hatters train is back on the rails, fully stoked and building up speed. Back to back wins have seen them take over third place, kindly kept warm for them for a few days by Mansfield.
It seems that Brabs has put a few more pieces into the jigsaw puzzle and a better idea of the full picture has emerged. Jamie Hand looks the bulldog midfielder that we lacked, promptly getting his fifth yellow card of the season on Saturday and being suspended for Tuesday at Telford. Stuart Fleetwood is looking the striker we needed and is a different class for this league. If you knew how good a deal was struck to secure his services you would be impressed with the negotiation skills of 2020. It hardly dented the transfer budget and I don't believe we have seen the last of the 'loan market' dealings yet. From what I have heard, the club really believes that this season, we have a very good opportunity to win the league and they are prepared to do whatever it takes, within the bounds of common sense and resources, to make it happen.
On the injury front there has been good news. Charlie Henry is playing again, although I would be surprised if he is even considered for first team duty this side of Christmas, if then. The true nature of Pilks' injury, which had been baffling the specialists, has finally been identified and he is now following advice in getting back to full fitness and, while it may yet be a few weeks before he starts match practice, at least he is now truly on the mend. Shane Blackett, who had a very serious adductor tear, the sort that can end careers, has healed enough to get back into light training, but only when he puts his muscles under full pressure will it be known if he will ever be the same as before the injury. I wish him all the best, he's had extremely bad luck to pick up such an injury.
Dan Gleeson had a bit of a set back but is on the mend. We need him back above all else, so let's hope it is soon. I have no news of Freddie Murray's injury at the moment but if I hear I'll report.
Lincoln City next, who have not been playing as badly as their results have shown, but their confidence must be low after getting such poor results. As frequently mooted, we really must make Kenilworth Road a fortress that no team comes to expecting anything other than defeat! Saturday is a good chance to make it 3 in 3 wins and put the pressure on the top two who are now looking over their shoulders after we moved to 3 points behind them. It was pleasing to see the club rearrange the postponed match so quickly; points on the board are always better than games in hand.
Now that the squad is beginning to gel and looking less likely to concede, and more likely to score, let's get back to 6000+ home fans and make some serious positive noise to get right behind the team. They are playing some attractive football too.
It seems that Brabs has put a few more pieces into the jigsaw puzzle and a better idea of the full picture has emerged. Jamie Hand looks the bulldog midfielder that we lacked, promptly getting his fifth yellow card of the season on Saturday and being suspended for Tuesday at Telford. Stuart Fleetwood is looking the striker we needed and is a different class for this league. If you knew how good a deal was struck to secure his services you would be impressed with the negotiation skills of 2020. It hardly dented the transfer budget and I don't believe we have seen the last of the 'loan market' dealings yet. From what I have heard, the club really believes that this season, we have a very good opportunity to win the league and they are prepared to do whatever it takes, within the bounds of common sense and resources, to make it happen.
On the injury front there has been good news. Charlie Henry is playing again, although I would be surprised if he is even considered for first team duty this side of Christmas, if then. The true nature of Pilks' injury, which had been baffling the specialists, has finally been identified and he is now following advice in getting back to full fitness and, while it may yet be a few weeks before he starts match practice, at least he is now truly on the mend. Shane Blackett, who had a very serious adductor tear, the sort that can end careers, has healed enough to get back into light training, but only when he puts his muscles under full pressure will it be known if he will ever be the same as before the injury. I wish him all the best, he's had extremely bad luck to pick up such an injury.
Dan Gleeson had a bit of a set back but is on the mend. We need him back above all else, so let's hope it is soon. I have no news of Freddie Murray's injury at the moment but if I hear I'll report.
Lincoln City next, who have not been playing as badly as their results have shown, but their confidence must be low after getting such poor results. As frequently mooted, we really must make Kenilworth Road a fortress that no team comes to expecting anything other than defeat! Saturday is a good chance to make it 3 in 3 wins and put the pressure on the top two who are now looking over their shoulders after we moved to 3 points behind them. It was pleasing to see the club rearrange the postponed match so quickly; points on the board are always better than games in hand.
Now that the squad is beginning to gel and looking less likely to concede, and more likely to score, let's get back to 6000+ home fans and make some serious positive noise to get right behind the team. They are playing some attractive football too.
Friday 9 September 2011
Hatters' helping Hand
So after the transfer window shopping, Luton have opened their loan account with the signing of Jamie Hand from Hayes & Yeading. A 27 yr-old, 6' midfielder who is no stranger to the referees' notepads, Jamie is described as a ball winner with an eye for a pass. We seem to be collecting midfielders at the moment but he adds a different dimension and gives Gary Brabin a difficult choice for the central roles. Jamie certainly caused us a few problems when we played Hayes & Yeading consistently breaking up our attacks, so let's hope he can continue in that vein.
Thursday 1 September 2011
Hatters sign 2 on deadline day.
There was mixed reaction from the fans on the message boards, the so called ‘Happy Clappers’ or ‘reasonable fans’ as I prefer to call them, welcomed the news with optimism, while the ‘perennial moaners’, many with ulterior agenda, found fault, as with everything that happens at the club.
You can only play 11 players on the field each game, have options on the bench for change where necessary and have cover in reserve for injuries and suspensions. In an ideal world we'd have a tall striker as well, plus maybe another central defender, for that cover but the club will never make all the fans happy. If we play with a big man up front there are those that argue that that leads to ‘hoofball’ and we don’t play with the usual variety and pacy good-to-watch football; a criticism levelled at the club when we had Gallen or Owusu playing. When we play without the tall man there are those that argue that our forwards are not tall enough to head in the crosses from good wing play. You can’t have it all ways at the same time. Similarly, we do have cover for Central Defence; we are using it already to cover for George Pilkington’s injury! I am sure that were Pilks fit one of the present pairing would not be playing every game.
A look at the squad shows that we have a very good group of players for this level and while the start is undefeated and we would have liked another 4 or 5 points by now, we are not out of touch and have a game in hand. So why these two players and what is behind their signing?
5 ‘ 9” Trinidad & Tobago International Collin Samuel, 30 yrs old, is a versatile forward, and can play anywhere along the front line, although not a prolific goalscorer. As happy on the left or right foot, this gives plenty of options within a game. He is solidly built and can put himself about when necessary, so will not be easily dispossessed, or knocked off the ball by the physical teams a la Braintree
Stuart Fleetwood, 25 yrs old, and also 5’9”, came in from Hereford United for an undisclosed fee and signed a 2 year contract. Stuart is a widely experienced player; mainly in the Football League. His former clubs were Cardiff City , Brighton, Forest Green, Exeter City , Charlton, Accrington and Cheltenham, plus two stints at Hereford
"Stuart had a fantastic season last season; he worked tirelessly for the team and was instrumental in helping the Bulls retain their Football League status.
"Albeit a step down for Stuart, this gives him a new challenge and opportunity and everyone at Hereford United wishes him every success for the future."
"Albeit a step down for Stuart, this gives him a new challenge and opportunity and everyone at Hereford United wishes him every success for the future."
Luton tried very hard to sign him in 2008 but lost out to Charlton Athletic on that occasion, although Charlton never played him in the team, promptly sending him to Cheltenham on loan! Stuart may not be 6’3” tall but he knows where the goal is, and is deadly around the penalty area, which is an asset in any team. Indeed the last time he played in the Conference he scored 28 goals for Forest Green and averages 1 goal per 3 games throughout his career.
I hope the fans will now allow the team, the directors and our new players a honeymoon period, of at least the usual 45 minutes, before getting on their backs… Please?
We now have a little catching up to do. The game in hand will be played on 13 September and by then we could well be up where we want to be.
Also, yesterday a new Luton Town Fans site went live. It is imaginatively called Luton Town Fans! This blog will be repeated on the site and I will be contributing to a regular column. Check it out. You will find it here: http://www.lutontownfans.co.uk
Sunday 28 August 2011
Where are the goals going to come from?
The Hatters put in another decent shift in disposing of new boys Braintree Town. We didn't even gift them a goal lead - which was nice- but after scoring first and then conceding the obligatory goal by a returning ex-Hatter - which wasn't nice - took over the game and outplayed them for the rest of the 90 minutes. Despite the vagaries of yet another inconsistent refereeing performance, I don't know what his tolerance level was for deserving a red card but there were a couple of real X - rated challenges on Watkins and Howells, the first of which only got a yellow card and the other not even a word of warning, the Hatters are beginning to work well together and some of the football was pretty to watch. However, there are still rumblings of discontent from some 'fans' that we haven't signed a big name striker - yet - so where are the goals going to come from? Well, the answer is the same as it was last year - from all over the park, although to be fair, Tyler hasn't pulled his weight in the goal scoring department. (Tyler out?). It is hard for any team playing Luton to snuff out the danger man because the danger man can'r be identified. He's different every attack! Whether we have signed a striker or not, we have been playing without a number of first choice players due to injury, and yet somehow we seem to be averaging 2 points per game and have scored more than any other team bar Wrexham and Gateshead, and they along with everyone else, except Telford of course, have played a game more than we have. Ten in four games is 2.5 per game and that is better than Wrexham and Gateshead's 2.4 per game.
New signing John Paul Kissock came on for a five minute cameo and did not-a-lot, (Kissock out!) but he will be another decent player in the squad. Forest Green must surely have been extracting the proverbial liquid by having the temerity to bid for Wilmott, and the best team in Hertfordshire (well to be fair they don't have much to beat) had a similar bid in for Keith Keane. I don't believe that we are in the market for getting rid of our best players although, as from time immemorial, we are Luton Town and every player has a price, so if a silly bid came in I guess that would be a different matter. It would have to be silly enough to allow us to buy in someone better as a replacement, and for all their bluster, I doubt FGR are the club to do it.
Next up Hayes & Yeading on Tuesday and closure of the transfer window on Wednesday!
New signing John Paul Kissock came on for a five minute cameo and did not-a-lot, (Kissock out!) but he will be another decent player in the squad. Forest Green must surely have been extracting the proverbial liquid by having the temerity to bid for Wilmott, and the best team in Hertfordshire (well to be fair they don't have much to beat) had a similar bid in for Keith Keane. I don't believe that we are in the market for getting rid of our best players although, as from time immemorial, we are Luton Town and every player has a price, so if a silly bid came in I guess that would be a different matter. It would have to be silly enough to allow us to buy in someone better as a replacement, and for all their bluster, I doubt FGR are the club to do it.
Next up Hayes & Yeading on Tuesday and closure of the transfer window on Wednesday!
Friday 26 August 2011
Kissock in - Walker and Poku out on loan
Luton Town today announced the signing of Southport midfield general John Paul Kissock, a move which had been mooted several weeks earlier, but came to fruition today. Godfrey Poku goes in the opposite direction along with Dan Walker on loan until December.
No further news about the signing of a striker but the club are still working hard to bring in a quality player in that regard. My information is that James Constable was supposed to be signing last Monday from Oxford after the clubs agreed terms and the player seemed happy to come. The medical was booked, but he appears to have moved the goalposts after his brace for OUFC last Sunday. He has reportedly asked OUFC to pay him compensation on his contract. I believe the badge kissing at Swindon was for the public effect and he has been reported in interview as saying he wants to stay at Oxford, but see how quickly that may change if Oxford agree to a payout. Bearing in mind that Shrewsbury are due 25% of any transfer money, it is logical that they won't want to have to pay the player compensation as well. Hence the hitch in securing his services.
I don't know what developments may have occurred over the last 24 hours but I am led to believe that Oxford boss Wilder is keen to move him out to bring in a new striker so we'll have to wait and see what happens. Tommy Craddock might also be seen to be surplus to requirements.
No further news about the signing of a striker but the club are still working hard to bring in a quality player in that regard. My information is that James Constable was supposed to be signing last Monday from Oxford after the clubs agreed terms and the player seemed happy to come. The medical was booked, but he appears to have moved the goalposts after his brace for OUFC last Sunday. He has reportedly asked OUFC to pay him compensation on his contract. I believe the badge kissing at Swindon was for the public effect and he has been reported in interview as saying he wants to stay at Oxford, but see how quickly that may change if Oxford agree to a payout. Bearing in mind that Shrewsbury are due 25% of any transfer money, it is logical that they won't want to have to pay the player compensation as well. Hence the hitch in securing his services.
I don't know what developments may have occurred over the last 24 hours but I am led to believe that Oxford boss Wilder is keen to move him out to bring in a new striker so we'll have to wait and see what happens. Tommy Craddock might also be seen to be surplus to requirements.
Wednesday 24 August 2011
Mansfield etc
Well we managed to secure the usual 1 point at Field Mill with a decent performance. We should have been a couple of goals to the good before conceding a goal which to be fair was an excellent strike. The usual gremlins that seem to befall us at Mansfield were again in evidence and how we did not manage to win with the possession we had I don't know, but an excellent free kick from Howells was headed home by Will Antwi and despite Matt Green failing to add to his goal by the width of a post, there only looked one winner. However, it was not to be but we remain unbeaten and while not an ideal start we are certainly up and running and will be challenging at the very top of the table before much longer.
Would my imposter stop posting crapola on Outlaws under my name please! I was at the match at the time and so unable to out him/her!
On the news front, I regret to say that the striker deal I was expecting to be completed, and one which would have been very acceptable to the fans, has hit a problem; one which may yet be overcome, but we will have to wait and see. It should have been done and dusted by now but 'goalposts have been moved'. I can't say any more than that for now. Meanwhile, other options are being looked at and one of those would be very acceptable too, but I believe that Styche is unlikely to be among those options. Never say never, but when Baldock signs for Reading don't be surprised if Styche signs for the Mongs as his replacement. Not saying 'bet the farm' but it is on the cards.
Despite rumours of players being dropped for Mansfield, I can state that Keane had a dead leg from Saturday but refused to come off and suffered a reaction; Lawless had a niggle that meant to play him so soon afterwards was not a risk worth taking; and Wilmott has been used sparingly while he recovers from a slight injury but will be awesome as ever once fully fit.
Don't expect Pilks back for a while yet, he is running but it's going to take time and advice from a specialist, Henry is a long way off and Blackett will probably be a week away for the rest of the season or indeed his contract!
Braintree have been watched and they play some decent football and are very physical, so it will be a test on Saturday. Nuff sed!
Would my imposter stop posting crapola on Outlaws under my name please! I was at the match at the time and so unable to out him/her!
On the news front, I regret to say that the striker deal I was expecting to be completed, and one which would have been very acceptable to the fans, has hit a problem; one which may yet be overcome, but we will have to wait and see. It should have been done and dusted by now but 'goalposts have been moved'. I can't say any more than that for now. Meanwhile, other options are being looked at and one of those would be very acceptable too, but I believe that Styche is unlikely to be among those options. Never say never, but when Baldock signs for Reading don't be surprised if Styche signs for the Mongs as his replacement. Not saying 'bet the farm' but it is on the cards.
Despite rumours of players being dropped for Mansfield, I can state that Keane had a dead leg from Saturday but refused to come off and suffered a reaction; Lawless had a niggle that meant to play him so soon afterwards was not a risk worth taking; and Wilmott has been used sparingly while he recovers from a slight injury but will be awesome as ever once fully fit.
Don't expect Pilks back for a while yet, he is running but it's going to take time and advice from a specialist, Henry is a long way off and Blackett will probably be a week away for the rest of the season or indeed his contract!
Braintree have been watched and they play some decent football and are very physical, so it will be a test on Saturday. Nuff sed!
Tuesday 23 August 2011
Up and running
Well, after a decent performance but a disappointing result against Forest Green, the winning trail was begun against Southport on Saturday. By midway through the first half it was difficult to predict the eventual outcome but the lads hung in and finally delivered with five goals in reply to Southport's opener.
I like the football that Luton are playing from the back and through midfield but despite the 5-1 victory, I am not a fan of playing the 5-4-1 system without a tall centre forward up front to capitalise on the good service given from the flanks. Fortunately it won't be long before the man for that job comes in. Even then I think that we offer far more threat playing 4-4-2 especially at home.
Next up Mansfield away tonight. As we have never won a league match at Field Mill, I guess a draw would be a decent result, but perhaps it is time to lay that bogey with a clear victory. Mansfield haven't looked too great so far and on the back of a morale boosting victory, there will never be a better time to capitalise.
I like the football that Luton are playing from the back and through midfield but despite the 5-1 victory, I am not a fan of playing the 5-4-1 system without a tall centre forward up front to capitalise on the good service given from the flanks. Fortunately it won't be long before the man for that job comes in. Even then I think that we offer far more threat playing 4-4-2 especially at home.
Next up Mansfield away tonight. As we have never won a league match at Field Mill, I guess a draw would be a decent result, but perhaps it is time to lay that bogey with a clear victory. Mansfield haven't looked too great so far and on the back of a morale boosting victory, there will never be a better time to capitalise.
Monday 15 August 2011
Best of order - Game on!
After a false start at the weekend, Luton get their season under way at home tomorrow (Tues) against Forest Green Rovers. Despite their lowly finish last season, they have improved their squad and they may not be the pushovers they were then, but Luton's squad is a strong one and anything less than a win will be a disappointment.
Gary Sweet released a video on the Official Website revealing that 'negotiations' are under way regarding three players, but that doesn't mean signing three players; it means probably one. Either way it looks unlikely that any new players will be signed in time for the first game. I am led to believe that James Constable is the no 1 choice and that an improved offer may well be in already after the initial bid of £100K was rejected.
Let the battle commence and let's see an end to the booing of players. Anyone who pulls on the shirt is our man and confidence is not helped by booing. If a player is afraid of shooting in case he misses it can't be good for the team. I have a funny feeling this could be our year!
Gary Sweet released a video on the Official Website revealing that 'negotiations' are under way regarding three players, but that doesn't mean signing three players; it means probably one. Either way it looks unlikely that any new players will be signed in time for the first game. I am led to believe that James Constable is the no 1 choice and that an improved offer may well be in already after the initial bid of £100K was rejected.
Let the battle commence and let's see an end to the booing of players. Anyone who pulls on the shirt is our man and confidence is not helped by booing. If a player is afraid of shooting in case he misses it can't be good for the team. I have a funny feeling this could be our year!
Thursday 11 August 2011
No place for triallists and bid made for Constable
So as expected, given their performances, Brabin has discontinued his interest in triallists Nathan Elder and Matt Paterson. No loss there. However, an initial formal bid was made for Oxford striker James Constable, who scored plenty for the them in their promotion season. He would be a fine acquisition and I understand that Luton are still interested in negotiating a deal for the player after Oxford rejected the bid immediately. Gary Brabin admitted he had made the bid and said that he has other players in mind should the deal not be possible.
Apparently, Oxford stripped Constable of the captaincy and despite his playing in the opening match of the season, and again in the Carling Cup last night, he appears to be conducive to a move and the club willing to sell if the price is right.
Meanwhile, local and national unrest has seen West Mercia police demand the postponement of the opening match against AFC Telford. It's annoying enough when the troublemakers kick off and start looting shops, but when they disrupt the football it's time they were shot.
Apparently, Oxford stripped Constable of the captaincy and despite his playing in the opening match of the season, and again in the Carling Cup last night, he appears to be conducive to a move and the club willing to sell if the price is right.
Meanwhile, local and national unrest has seen West Mercia police demand the postponement of the opening match against AFC Telford. It's annoying enough when the troublemakers kick off and start looting shops, but when they disrupt the football it's time they were shot.
Saturday 6 August 2011
Didn't see that coming!
Watched a good Hatters side play QPR last night, who played their first team for 45 minutes and despite Beckwith giving the boo boys more fodder by conceding a comedy goal in 30 seconds, I was impressed by what I saw - enough to believe that we will again be in contention for the top spot this season. QPR were never allowed to settle on the ball and were consistently pressed when in possession and even their quick passing game did not dampen the Town's spirit. The changes made on the hour saw the Hatters score three goals and win the match 3-1. I didn't expect that at half time! I like the way Brabin had them playing and I hope he opts for a settled side with not too much tactical changing of the personnel. Find the best 11 and let them gel as a unit and use substitutes to change things when needed. So how did they do individually?
Tyler: safe and assured - nuff sed!
Dan Gleeson: looked better than I have seen him last night and will not let us down on that showing.
Curtis Osano: Solid in defence and quick and tricky going forward. I'll stick my neck out and say he will be a crowd favourite after a few games.
Dean Beckwith: Comedy goal aside, ( I think he was on his mobile when the cross came over!), he did everything else OK last night so I can't understand the slagging he got from some fans on Outlaws. He won plenty in the air against big premiership forwards and cleared the ball without ceremony when he needed to. If Pilks is long term injured, as feared, and Blackett remains a week away from fitness for the next three months, Brabs will play Beckwith and he'll do OK.
Will Antwi: Another player whom I predict will become a crowd favourite. Passed it well, won high balls, turns quickly and played out of defence with some skill. Forwards won't like him clattering into their backs as he likes to put himself about. I felt he was still feeling his way a bit but has too much class for our opponents in this league.
James Dance: Looks quick and has some ball control and an eye for a cross. Ideal winger.
Jake Howells: Covered every blade of grass; never let anyone have the ball within catching distance without closing him down or challenging; robbed players in possession several times and has an incredible 'engine'. Must be the fittest player we've had in a long time. Man of the match was deserved. I'll be praying the transfer window gets closed before someone comes in for him, and if they don't will be praying the same in January!
Alex Lawless: Seemed to be working hard but not really able to get as much influence on the game as I know he can, especially in the first half. More effective in the second half.
Keith Keane: Close second for man of the match. Did what he does; closed people down and sprayed some decent passes around and intercepted some potential killer passes.
Aaron O'Connor: Looked lively but was well marshalled by some tall defenders in the first half. Should have had a goal but was blocked by a last ditch slide. He'll be a fine acquisition.
Danny Crow: Looked thinner than I expected with all the fatty comments on various 'boards' and ran willingly, just in the wrong directions for how some plays developed. Never really believed he would threaten the QPR defence. He will be useful taking on Conference defenders especially in the box because his low centre of gravity make him hard to knock off the ball and he'll win a few penalties like that. Not his best performance last night sadly.
Matthew Barnes-Homer: Where was he last night and who was the imposter wearing his shirt? He came on and moved around looking for the ball and communicating with his team mates. At one corner for QPR he was on the edge of his own penalty area and when Tyler collected it , MBH sprinted (read it again - sprinted) for about 70 yards to be available on the edge of the QPR box. It was great to see him react in the way he has. He has the talent and if he develops the consistency and a more busy work ethic he could be the league's top scorer. Brabin's post match comments suggest that their little rift, euphemistically referred to in the terms "I have spoken to him more than every other player and advised him how to improve his game", may be resolved. Let us hope so. Took his header very well for the equaliser. The game was tailor-made for him to score and he obliged.
Amari Morgan-Smith: Last year, never quite the player he was before the broken cheekbone, he looked hungry, fit and focussed, and scored a goal born out of pressing and putting the keeper under pressure when he could have been allowed to clear it unhindered.
Adam Watkins: I doubt the youngster will find a regular starting place but he should be nurtured and brought on gradually and should be the first name on the subs list. He is going to be a very good player, and has proved that with some consistent performances in pre-season.
Ed Asafu-Adjaye: looked comfortable in defence and should be another to break into the regular squad. Will do a job anywhere at the back.
I haven't seen enough of Poku and Lacey to have a confident opinion but they seem to have played well in the Trophy games last season and I don't think Brabin would worry about having to play either of them in injury or suspension situations.
Not playing last night: Wilmott is a certain starter and is going to be a great influence for us this season.
Freddie Murray: We all know what he can do and will be in the manager's plans when fit.
George Pilkington: If he can get his injury diagnosed and sorted will be the first defender on the team sheet. We all know what he can do.
Kevin Pilkington: No worries if he has to play.
Charlie Henry: Regrettably he is still long term injured and is unlikely to be fit this side of Christmas so we still know nothing much about him as he is yet to kick a ball in anger for us. I am beginning to wonder if he will ever play for us at all.
I still believe we need another striker and a top one if possible. I'm not sure that Nathan Elder is the answer but I wouldn't rule out the possibility that he will be signed as cover should the right player not be available for whatever reason.
Support: Can be the best in the League, certainly in numbers, but I really wish that the lads could be cheered on and off regardless of the result of a match, and that no player wearing the shirt should be booed because they are having a bad game.
Prospects for the season: Excellent. As much chance of winning the League as anyone.
Team for Telford (assuming no more signings)
Tyler
Gleeson Beckwith Antwi Osano
Wilmott (if fit)or Dance) Keane Lawless Howells
Morgan-Smith Barnes Homer
Bench: K Pilkington, Adam Watkins, Ed A-A, James Dance or Godrey Poku, Aaron O Connor
Bring it on!
Tyler: safe and assured - nuff sed!
Dan Gleeson: looked better than I have seen him last night and will not let us down on that showing.
Curtis Osano: Solid in defence and quick and tricky going forward. I'll stick my neck out and say he will be a crowd favourite after a few games.
Dean Beckwith: Comedy goal aside, ( I think he was on his mobile when the cross came over!), he did everything else OK last night so I can't understand the slagging he got from some fans on Outlaws. He won plenty in the air against big premiership forwards and cleared the ball without ceremony when he needed to. If Pilks is long term injured, as feared, and Blackett remains a week away from fitness for the next three months, Brabs will play Beckwith and he'll do OK.
Will Antwi: Another player whom I predict will become a crowd favourite. Passed it well, won high balls, turns quickly and played out of defence with some skill. Forwards won't like him clattering into their backs as he likes to put himself about. I felt he was still feeling his way a bit but has too much class for our opponents in this league.
James Dance: Looks quick and has some ball control and an eye for a cross. Ideal winger.
Jake Howells: Covered every blade of grass; never let anyone have the ball within catching distance without closing him down or challenging; robbed players in possession several times and has an incredible 'engine'. Must be the fittest player we've had in a long time. Man of the match was deserved. I'll be praying the transfer window gets closed before someone comes in for him, and if they don't will be praying the same in January!
Alex Lawless: Seemed to be working hard but not really able to get as much influence on the game as I know he can, especially in the first half. More effective in the second half.
Keith Keane: Close second for man of the match. Did what he does; closed people down and sprayed some decent passes around and intercepted some potential killer passes.
Aaron O'Connor: Looked lively but was well marshalled by some tall defenders in the first half. Should have had a goal but was blocked by a last ditch slide. He'll be a fine acquisition.
Danny Crow: Looked thinner than I expected with all the fatty comments on various 'boards' and ran willingly, just in the wrong directions for how some plays developed. Never really believed he would threaten the QPR defence. He will be useful taking on Conference defenders especially in the box because his low centre of gravity make him hard to knock off the ball and he'll win a few penalties like that. Not his best performance last night sadly.
Matthew Barnes-Homer: Where was he last night and who was the imposter wearing his shirt? He came on and moved around looking for the ball and communicating with his team mates. At one corner for QPR he was on the edge of his own penalty area and when Tyler collected it , MBH sprinted (read it again - sprinted) for about 70 yards to be available on the edge of the QPR box. It was great to see him react in the way he has. He has the talent and if he develops the consistency and a more busy work ethic he could be the league's top scorer. Brabin's post match comments suggest that their little rift, euphemistically referred to in the terms "I have spoken to him more than every other player and advised him how to improve his game", may be resolved. Let us hope so. Took his header very well for the equaliser. The game was tailor-made for him to score and he obliged.
Amari Morgan-Smith: Last year, never quite the player he was before the broken cheekbone, he looked hungry, fit and focussed, and scored a goal born out of pressing and putting the keeper under pressure when he could have been allowed to clear it unhindered.
Adam Watkins: I doubt the youngster will find a regular starting place but he should be nurtured and brought on gradually and should be the first name on the subs list. He is going to be a very good player, and has proved that with some consistent performances in pre-season.
Ed Asafu-Adjaye: looked comfortable in defence and should be another to break into the regular squad. Will do a job anywhere at the back.
I haven't seen enough of Poku and Lacey to have a confident opinion but they seem to have played well in the Trophy games last season and I don't think Brabin would worry about having to play either of them in injury or suspension situations.
Not playing last night: Wilmott is a certain starter and is going to be a great influence for us this season.
Freddie Murray: We all know what he can do and will be in the manager's plans when fit.
George Pilkington: If he can get his injury diagnosed and sorted will be the first defender on the team sheet. We all know what he can do.
Kevin Pilkington: No worries if he has to play.
Charlie Henry: Regrettably he is still long term injured and is unlikely to be fit this side of Christmas so we still know nothing much about him as he is yet to kick a ball in anger for us. I am beginning to wonder if he will ever play for us at all.
I still believe we need another striker and a top one if possible. I'm not sure that Nathan Elder is the answer but I wouldn't rule out the possibility that he will be signed as cover should the right player not be available for whatever reason.
Support: Can be the best in the League, certainly in numbers, but I really wish that the lads could be cheered on and off regardless of the result of a match, and that no player wearing the shirt should be booed because they are having a bad game.
Prospects for the season: Excellent. As much chance of winning the League as anyone.
Team for Telford (assuming no more signings)
Tyler
Gleeson Beckwith Antwi Osano
Wilmott (if fit)or Dance) Keane Lawless Howells
Morgan-Smith Barnes Homer
Bench: K Pilkington, Adam Watkins, Ed A-A, James Dance or Godrey Poku, Aaron O Connor
Bring it on!
Monday 1 August 2011
McKenzie on his way
According to a tweet from Leon McKenzie, Gary Brabin has phoned him to say he doesn't fit what he is looking for. In reply to someone saying the manager is rubbish he intimated that he is not a rubbish manager and that he wishes the club, players and fans well for the season and hopes that the Hatters make it up this season. Seems like a top bloke. He is confident he will find a club soon. Best wishes to him, I hope he does.
Some rumblings behind the scenes.
I had been wondering why Matthew Barnes-Homer had disappeared from view quite suddenly and was thinking perhaps there was some truth in suggestions on websites that he may be on his way out.
The truth is he may well be if he doesn't sort himself out. Certain issues behind the scenes were being handled and MBH was played in the kids team as a sort of punishment, but his reaction to it which I won't go into, seriously annoyed the manager. Whether they can both get over it or not remains to be seen but it isn't the best situation this close to the new season when we are already a striker light in the squad.
The truth is he may well be if he doesn't sort himself out. Certain issues behind the scenes were being handled and MBH was played in the kids team as a sort of punishment, but his reaction to it which I won't go into, seriously annoyed the manager. Whether they can both get over it or not remains to be seen but it isn't the best situation this close to the new season when we are already a striker light in the squad.
Friday 29 July 2011
Hatters sign triallists
The Town have announced the signings of triallist defenders Will Antwi and Curtis Osano on 6-month contracts.
Both players are said to have impressed on trial during Luton's pre-season friendlies.
I think that they are both good enough to play in the BSP but I am concerned that they have only been given 6 month contracts. It appears that the manager is not sure about them and that is a worry.
Osano has been playing at full back but can play centrally. He began at Reading and has been a first choice with Rushden for most of his career with them.
Ghanaian international ( well he played for them once!) Antwi has played for Crystal Palace, Aldershot Town, Wycombe Wanderers, and most recently Dagenham & Redbridge.
There is as yet no news about the striker situation but I believe that one more out and out striker is needed to give more options to the manager.
Wednesday 20 July 2011
Airbus1-2 Easyjet
Looks like it was beginning to come together last night as the Hatters nicked a 2-1 win at Airbus in Wales. I didn't go but the reports seem to indicate that James Dance will be a good addition and that MBH and Crow in a 4-4-2 looked a decent partnership. That was the case last pre-season but was then inexplicably binned by Richard Money. We've yet to see what AMS can do up front and that was where he stood out enough for us to move in and buy him.
We haven't seen Shane Blackett or George Pilkington in the side yet either. Blackett is probably about a week away from fitness (that is irony for those who do not recognise it!) and Pilks really IS about a week away from fitness.
By all accounts the Hatters could easily have won by 5 or 6 last night if the players were not all vying for the crossbar challenge trophy so let's all calm down and wait to see what transpires over the next few weeks before abandoning hope for the season!
We haven't seen Shane Blackett or George Pilkington in the side yet either. Blackett is probably about a week away from fitness (that is irony for those who do not recognise it!) and Pilks really IS about a week away from fitness.
By all accounts the Hatters could easily have won by 5 or 6 last night if the players were not all vying for the crossbar challenge trophy so let's all calm down and wait to see what transpires over the next few weeks before abandoning hope for the season!
Monday 18 July 2011
Everybody Dance now!
Luton Town have announced the signing of Crawley Town winger/striker James Dance on a two year contract. I liked what I saw of the player last season and he looks a decent addition to the squad. I'm sure the club will still be looking to secure a good out and out striker before the season begins, and that will probably be enough to be going on with. Another central midfielder wouldn't be out of order too but we are not in a position to buy promotion the way Crawley Town did last year. I hope the creativity of Dance and Willmott on the wings and Lawless and Howells through the middle will provide enough chances to feed the strikers so that they can get the goals we need. We were among the top scorers in the League last season and there is no reason to believe we won't be this year.
Sunday 17 July 2011
Being a Luton fan is sometimes embarrassing.....
Being a Luton fan is sometimes embarrassing; not because we are currently a non-league team; not because we have fallen in the play-offs twice in a row; not because we have not signed another 22 players in the close season; not because the custodians of the club are doing a bad job; not because we have lost to a Welsh club in a meaningless friendly; not because the manager doesn't know what he is doing, not because the players we have are rubbish; not because we have no new stadium; Simply because I have to be tarnished by association with some of the worst alleged supporters in English football who call themselves fans of my football club, know very little at best and damn all at worst about football in general, Luton Town in particular or Luton Town's day to day running, and spout off at every opportunity, denigrating the club that I have loved and supported for 54 years, and do nothing but spread malicious lies, gossip and negativity for various reasons, some more Machiavellian than others. Some even have a negative effect on the players and their performances both by comments on websites and by booing players at matches. I have two words for all those people who fall into any of those categories and the second of those words is OFF!
Friday 15 July 2011
Hatters after winger
Crawley Town winger James Dance is reported to be on his way to Luton after his club accepted a bid from the Hatters.
Luton were keen on signing Dance in the January transfer window from Kettering but he joined Crawley instead. I don't know if it was that Crawley outbid us or the player preferred to go to Crawley, but the newly promoted club are happy to let him go now.
Dance is said to be about to discuss personal terms with Luton, with York, Grimsby, Mansfield and Darlington all reported to have been interested in him prior to him signing for Crawley.
Meanwhile, it is believed that Town target Alan Connell is set to sign for Swindon Town for a fee in excess of £100K. That is far too much for a one season wonder and I can't see he would have been better than what we already have.
Wednesday 13 July 2011
Alan Connell and his delusional chairman
I see Grimsby Chairman Fenty has said he would not sell Alan Connell to a rival club, and that he guarantees that he will not be a Luton player this season. I for one am less than bothered at the prospect.
I don't know why our manager is even thinking about signing Connell. He has had one decent season at the age of 28. His stats (0.25 goals per game)are much worse than Matthew Barnes-Homer's (0.31) and he (MBH) gets the boo boys on his back constantly for not scoring enough and many would like to see him sold. MBH was signed in similar circumstances when he had his one hit wonder season at Kidderminster of 34 goals against Connell's 29 in his and he arrived on a free. There is no guarantee that Connell will repeat that effort just as MBH hasn't. I'd much rather see us go for someone who is more consistent over a few seasons. Therefore £50K is probably about right for Connell. Tops! We have signed better and not even played them in the side on a regular basis.
We have enough quality in the team already to win this league if the manager decides on his best team and plays it regularly instead of chopping and changing all the time. All our previously successful campaigns have been based on a good spine to the team: Keeper, Central defender hard tackling central midfielder and tall physical striker and a settled team. Add to that some speed and delivery from the wings and a midfield playmaker and half decent support striker, central defender and full backs and it is a winning combination. Simples! :-) If we can't do that on the highest gates in the division then we deserve to stay where we are!
I don't know why our manager is even thinking about signing Connell. He has had one decent season at the age of 28. His stats (0.25 goals per game)are much worse than Matthew Barnes-Homer's (0.31) and he (MBH) gets the boo boys on his back constantly for not scoring enough and many would like to see him sold. MBH was signed in similar circumstances when he had his one hit wonder season at Kidderminster of 34 goals against Connell's 29 in his and he arrived on a free. There is no guarantee that Connell will repeat that effort just as MBH hasn't. I'd much rather see us go for someone who is more consistent over a few seasons. Therefore £50K is probably about right for Connell. Tops! We have signed better and not even played them in the side on a regular basis.
We have enough quality in the team already to win this league if the manager decides on his best team and plays it regularly instead of chopping and changing all the time. All our previously successful campaigns have been based on a good spine to the team: Keeper, Central defender hard tackling central midfielder and tall physical striker and a settled team. Add to that some speed and delivery from the wings and a midfield playmaker and half decent support striker, central defender and full backs and it is a winning combination. Simples! :-) If we can't do that on the highest gates in the division then we deserve to stay where we are!
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