Brabin remains upbeat despite draw

THINGS aren’t going to change overnight but new Hatters boss Gary Brabin believes he has seen glimmers of the future, writes Mark Wood.

Town were held to a goalless home draw by struggling Barrow on Tuesday night and although Luton’s former assistant boss was disappointed by the result he believes the Hatters are heading in the right direction.

He said: “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed by the result. Everyone dreams of the first game and hoping to win convincingly.

“I was on edge all day, I was praying and willing one to go in but it wasn’t to be.

“Things aren’t going to happen overnight. I just want the lads behind one another and enjoy their football and be a bit more attack-minded.

“We are not conceding. I think we have created enough chances which is pleasing for me.

“I’m disappointed for the forwards they couldn’t get on the scoresheet and I though there were some real good performances.

“They’ve fought tooth and nail and shut up shop quite well and I want to concentrate on the positives now.

“That’s what we want, teams making it hard for us because that’s how you get better.”

Brabin was thrilled with the reception he received from the home faithful, who he hopes can become the team’s ‘12th man’.

He continued: “I’m absolutely delighted. I’ve tried to speak to as many as I can and they’ve been absolutely brilliant and positive and I want that now until the end of the season.

“That’s a big part of what I want to do.

“I want the players coming into training with smiles on their faces and I want the fans to help them because they are the bread and butter of football.”

He is now hoping to build up their confidence ahead of the play-off and hopes they will be able to play with more freedom and creativity under his reign.

Brabin added: “Obviously the result wasn’t what we wanted but like I said, I want to come in here and try and build the confidence of the players.

“In patches I thought we played some good football in and around the box. Our attacking players haven’t scored but we’ve had a go at their goal.

“We’ve been a lot more offensive with not so may players around the ball but still kept a clean sheet. It’s not a perfect performance but I think we are going in the right direction and have something to build on.

“I just want to be a bit more attack-minded and have a bit more trust in our defensive players.

“I was restricted as we still have a few injuries and a couple of play ineligible. I never had the full squad to pick from but I was happy with the bunch of players.

“I can see a spring in the step of one or two and we’ve got to build on that.

“I thought first half we had a good few chances and were snatching at them a little bit and didn’t really test the keeper.

“I just said at half time to relax and try and enjoy you football and hit the target when you get your chance.

“In the next three or four weeks it’s all about building confidence.”