Tunnicliffe well aware just how 'massive' Watford clash is to Luton fans

Midfielder confident for a better season ahead at Kenilworth Road
Hatters midfielder Ryan TunnicliffeHatters midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe
Hatters midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe

Hatters midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe admits both he and his Town team-mates are well aware just how much today's game against fierce rivals Watford means for the club's supporters.

The two teams reignite an on-pitch rivalry that has lay dormant for almost 15 years now, with a trip to Vicarage Road to face the Hornets this afternoon.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Although Tunnicliffe, like the rest of the Luton squad, have never experienced such an encounter, he understands the significance, saying: "I’ve only been at the club a short while, but I know the passion of the Luton fans.

"Coming into the club, you have to do your research and know who your rivals are, and know what games mean more to the club and the fans.

“I’m sure we’ll get it drilled into us how much it will mean to everyone if we can get a result on Saturday.

“It’s a massive game, with the fans having not had Watford in the league for a long time, obviously with local bragging rights, so it’s been a massive week for the club.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Town can go into the game on the crest of a wave confidence-wise as although they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Manchester United on Tuesday night, a flattering 3-0 defeat saw them exit with their heads held incredibly high.

Tunnicliffe, who was superb on the night against his former side, knows that the squad are in great place right now, and is thoroughly enjoying it, as he continued: "The place is buzzing, momentum is a big thing in football.

"Last year when we were going through a rough patch, no matter how well we played, it seemed we’d always probably lose 1-0 or by the odd goal as the momentum was against us.

"It’s nice to be in a team and a squad where the momentum is with us at the minute.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We have to keep working hard to keep it that way and then hopefully we can do great things this season.”

The manner in which Town have started the season, two wins in the league so far to sit third place, points to a campaign in which they hopefully won't be facing a constant battle to stay up as they were last term, clinching safety with a final day 3-2 win over Blackburn Rovers.

It’s definitely something that Tunnicliffe doesn't want to experience again, adding: "We don’t want to be involved in what we were involved in last year.

"It was a stressful time and I don’t think this squad belongs in that relegation battle.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We proved it towards the end of the season and the start of the season, that we’re more than good enough to compete and hopefully do something special in the league.

“Confidence is high, carrying on from last season, we finished the season quite well which kept us in the league.

"It’s just about momentum for us really, winning as many games as possible.

"It’s the Championship and a good run of form, a good month or two can fire you right up the league.

"We’ve started well and hopefully let’s see where we can finish.”