Luton’s assistant manager, Paul Trollope has praised fans for their support in a 4-1 loss at Brighton.
Luton began their first season back in England’s top-flight for 31 years with a brutal 4-1 loss at Brighton, as late goals from Simon Adingra and Evan Ferguson killed off the Hatters’ dreams of a late comeback draw after Carlton Morris had netted a 81st minute penalty to make it 2-1.
“It’s not the result we wanted,” commented Trollope on their defeat which marked their first loss in 16 matches, as he stood in for manager – Rob Edwards due to illness in the post-match media duties.
Trollope nevertheless vowed that this experience is a building block for the season ahead as he explained: “We’ve come away having learned a lot of lessons. I think there were a lot of positives we can take from the game, but we’re not good losers and we don’t want to lose games of football, so we’ll take it on the chin.
“We thought the players’ application and from a tactical point of view, the gameplan was good and we knew we were coming up against a quality team who have been strong, especially at home over the last couple of years.”
Trollope also acknowledged the importance of the away support especially in the second-half, as he continued: “I think we were in a really good place in the second half, the fans sensed that as well and were fantastic all afternoon.
“The reception at the end was brilliant and we will certainly need that support going forward.”
Reflecting on the importance of the fans to motivating the team this season, Trollope iterated that their “passion and the drive” will be crucial, especially with Luton widely tipped for relegation.
Explaining the fans’ impact upon the team’s desire to win despite not having the budget of huge teams, Trollope said: “The fans know the situation. They know where we are as a football club and we are really thankful for their support. They were wonderful at the end as well, despite a defeat we are not happy with.
“I’d like to reiterate that as well. We aren’t going to pat ourselves on the back having got beaten. That’s not what we are about.”
Trollope also iterated that the team won’t hold any fear as they prepare for a trip to Chelsea on Friday 25 August, as he said: “When we first came in we said about being ambitious and taking the club forward, and we are no different in the Premier League.
“We respect people, but we certainly don’t fear. We showed that at times today.
“They are a good side, but we were bold at times. We took risks and probably on another occasion we may have got a goal or two in that first half that maybe would have changed the game.”
Luton will now have a fortnight off after their opening home match against Burnley was postponed due to ongoing stadium rennovations.
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