Football, as we continually get reminded, can be a cruel game.
Yesterday, down at Kenilworth Road, the Hatters support were expecting their side to continue their recent 6-game unbeaten run, against Reading, hopefully lifting themselves off the bottom of the table.
Sadly, the Luton of recent weeks didn’t turn up, instead, it was the Luton of, whisper it quietly, Graeme Jones reign that showed up.
So, instead of celebrating a win, we were left to sift through the ruins of a very humbling 5-0 defeat against a Reading side who are, at best, just a mid-table side.
Naturally, social media was alive with Hatters fans eager to express their disappointment, with the comments below being a typical illustration:
Well that was a tad embarrassing 😳
— MrLacksadaisy (@dublinhatter) July 4, 2020
One Word only >>>>>> D I S A S T E R !!!!
— ianfletcher (@ianfletcher20) July 4, 2020
Awful
— Craig Cowley (@CJ_Cowley) July 4, 2020
A pretty fair assumption I’d say, although one supporter may have gone a tad too far when he commented:
We demand a human sacrifice for this! One Town player must be offered up.
— LTFC Block F (@LTFCblockF) July 4, 2020
But what went wrong?
Were the team tired, complacent, or just outclassed?
Here are a few thoughts from the Hatters support:
Problem compared to previous 3 games is we have set up defensively to play on the counter, NJ decided to play on the front foot today and we got out played. Would have preferred to soak up pressure for 60 mins then introduce more attacking players. On to Tuesday, it's still on.
— Robin Owen🏏🎸🎶⚽️ (@RockinaRobin) July 4, 2020
Starting 7 players that also played against Leeds on the Tuesday wasn’t a great idea then Mr Jones
— ben (@benIufc) July 4, 2020
Should Nathan have rested more of those who performed so admirably at Elland Road?
Should we have sat back and tried to pick them off on the counterattack?
Please feel free to air your views in the comment facility beneath this article.
COYH’s
Previous article by Mad Hatter
Heavy Home Defeat Dents Luton Town’s Survival Hopes
Two of the three at the back are too slow. Jones was taught a lesson against Peterborough last season. Then does it again
Hi mh, just a thought what are we fans like eh. Now I was gj’s biggest critic from his appointment. An got told an again give him a chance. Now after 3 games nl who I held my opinion of until I could see where he was headed is being held responsible for yesterday’s fiasco. The problems left by the previous manager were never going to just dissappear. Time is needed by everyone to readjust. And we aren’t relegated yet.
we need two wins this week otherwise the fat lady will be clearing her throat!
I agree with Chris Winter. Luton played three games against tough opposition and gained 5 points. I know it’s not a proper job, playing football, as they say, but the mental strain is still there for all connected with the team and especially the players. To me they quickly displayed the stress of it all and unfortunately struggled and couldn’t get it back. I’m confident we can stay up. NJ gave a very good post match interview in my opinion unlike his predecessor who would have blamed everyone except himself which was his motivating way. It must have been terrible playing for him.
If we are to stay up there is no room for any error from now on in. Yesterday was, hopefully, a blip.
I personally thought we setup very well and looked to be far in the ascendancy until the penalty wasnt given, players took eye off game and they run up the other end and score and then a blink of an eye later they are 2 up before we can instill any calm back into the formation. From that point as a team who desperately need points and are exempt from goal difference (we aren’t going to catch anyone else in the league on that note) then attacking play to chase games shows the right mentality heading into season close, we were just outclassed in that area and embarrassed. With the Wigan decision and possibly Shefff Wed too we have everything to play for against 6 or 7 other teams who we have a lot of head to heads with and I honestly think (Despite all my moaning about his reappointment) that Nathan Jones is the best man to keep us up with what we have in the locker. COYH
Anyone else remember the Simod Cup Final?
Terrible display.I’m sure I saw some cardboard cut outs leave at half time.Must win Tuesday COYH