Still can deal with pressure after Wilder backing

The Cobblers manager, who is a close friend of Still, was asked about the pressure Still was under during his pre-match press conference this week ahead of today’s fixture at Kenilworth Road.

Speaking to the Northampton Chronicle & Echo, Wilder said: “You talk about managers, and I know John Still really well.

“The job that he did in getting Luton promoted was incredible, and this time last year I think they won eight or nine games on the bounce and were in the automatic promotion places.

“They didn’t have a great end, but they are establishing themselves back into the Football League after countless years out.

“John has done an unbelievable job there and they have some good players, but he is just trying to find the right formation and the right mix.

“I am sure that if John hadn’t taken that job they would still be in the same situation they were.

“People, supporters and boards sometimes want instant success, and John brought that, but it can’t happen all the time.

“Getting out of the Conference and getting into the Football League, it is tough.

“There are a lot of big clubs in League Two, that want to get out of the division, and for me Luton have the perfect man in place.

“Sometimes things go against you with injury and suspension, and there are maybe a few signings that have not hit the ground running, but there is still plenty of time.

“People should assess at the end of the season how things are going, and not make silly judgements in early December as there are 26 games to go.

“I think John would have expected Luton to be a little higher up the table, but Luton can go and win four or five games as they did last season, because they have the players and the manager to do that.

“Luton is a really good club, with a fantastic history, and is one that I am sure will challenge come the end of the season.”

When asked if he appreciated the backing of his fellow manager, Still said: “Chris would be supportive of me 100 per cent, even if I was hopeless and he knew I was hopeless, he’d be supportive of me because he’s my pal.

“I appreciate all of that, but I’m a big man, I can do it and get on with it.

“I accept the highs and lows and I always say this, the only person that needs to be happy is me.

“If I’m happy, I’m fine, if anyone else is unhappy, I can’t affect that, the only person I can affect is me, how I do it.

“If you are a person who feels pressure, you’re a person that can’t cope with that side of the job, don’t do it.”