Luton boss confirms a positive reaction from Gray after early substitution

Hatters midfielder Jake Gray has shown a positive reaction in training to being substituted in the first half of Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Colchester United, according to boss Nathan Jones.
Hatters midfielder Jake GrayHatters midfielder Jake Gray
Hatters midfielder Jake Gray

The summer signing from Crystal Palace, who has been in and out of the side this season, was replaced by James Justin seven minutes before half time, with Luton already trailing 2-0 to Chris Porter’s double strike.

When asked if Gray had accepted the decision since, Jones said: “Of course as they are a good group.

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“He wouldn’t have been happy and I don’t expect him to be happy, but he has to see the logic and all 11 players let themselves down in that first 37 minutes.

“As after we made the change, we came into the game, we were better, so going into half time we had a bit more impetus. Then second half, we dominated the second half, we really did, so it was the right decision.

“We needed to make a change to change shape and it was the right decision, because we were a lot better after we made the change.

“He was unfortunate, was a victim of circumstance, but I can’t second guess, I can’t be kind to players, and then go further into the mire. I need to make changes.”

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It’s not the first time Jones has done so too during his Town reign, as he added: “I did it to Olly Lee at the beginning of the season when we played at Cambridge and we won 3-0 and it proved right.

“I’ve done it to Alex Lawless at times and we then improved. So I don’t like doing it, I wouldn’t have liked it myself, but as long as there’s some logic in the decision, then that’s what we ask.”