The manager on the importance of the supporters
Manager Graham Kavanagh spoke to us today about the positive impact the fans can have on performances as the team looks to start the season off in style.
“We've had a really positive summer and we're all very much looking forward to Saturday,” he said. “We feel we've recruited as well as we could have done and we're excited and looking forward to the weekend.
“We have got one or two niggles ahead of the weekend but everybody is going to train and we'll see where they are. Those I've got concerns over all feel like they want to give training a go, so they'll hopefully come through it and be available on Saturday.”
“The way the fans have got behind us through the summer has been unbelievable,” he commented. “I've definitely been able to feel the energy and positivity around the city. It feels like the community is right behind us again. The #cufc6000 campaign got people talking about us in a whole range of different ways and the club have got behind that as well. Now, with the #WallofColour, we're hoping to see and feel a really great reaction.
“Everybody seems optimistic and I think that’s because this summer was the first time we’ve been able to totally rebuild the squad in a long time. I think people are excited by the players we've been able to bring in because we’re now looking to win games rather than sustain our league status.”
“The role the fans have to play in all this is huge,” he continued. “When things aren’t going well you can feel it as soon as you arrive at the stadium on a match day. There’s a cloud over the place and you feel a burden because of that.
“However, you can also feel the excitement when things are going well. The fans give the players confidence when there’s a buzz around the ground because it gives the lads something to feed off. It makes them perform to an even higher level. If the crowd believe in their team they will usually feel comfortable about showing everyone what they can do.”
“The message to everyone is please come on Saturday, get behind the team and see how we play,” he told us. “We want everyone to be as vocal and supportive as they can be because Luton are certainly going to do that. They’re talking about bringing around 1,500 fans so they’ll be very noisy.
“I think we all know what our fans can bring when they turn out in numbers. We will be doing every single thing we can to give them something they can cheer on Saturday.
“There have been great strides around the football club on engaging with the fans since the end of last season but I think we all know that what really matters is what happens on the pitch. I’m feeling really optimistic about the season ahead and, please God, it will be an enjoyable one for all of us.”
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