Nathan Jones’ return as manager has given Hatters a new lease of life

Alex Neil took advantage of having Tuesday night off to go and watch the Hatters’ 0-0 draw against Coventry City.

Likewise on Wednesday, Luton boss Nathan Jones and his No.2 Mick Hartford were in the directors’ box at Deepdale to see PNE’s 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough.

The two clubs are locked together in mid-table of the Championship, both having gathered 23 points.

North End are a position ahead of tomorrow’s hosts by reason of a better goal difference.

Luton will be happy with their progress this season, Jones having turned fortunes round well having returned to Bedfordshire in May.

He was appointed for his second spell as manager during the first lockdown, the Welshman’s first match in charge being the 1-1 draw with PNE.

They were bottom of the table then but found a new lease of life under Jones to climb to a 19th place finish.

Six months ago when the football season resumed did we imagine that come December, supporters would only have started being allowed back in grounds?

Luton will have 2,000 of their fans in attendance against PNE, the town having been placed in Tier 2.

In their last eight matches, Jones’ men have won twice, drawn four and lost two.

The midweek draw with Coventry came on the back of a 2-0 defeat at Swansea.

Before that, the Hatters had impressively beaten Norwich 3-1.

The point they got against Coventry was not to be sniffed at, although Jones’ No.2 Hartford felt their attacking play could have been better.

Hartford said: “We just need to improve in the final third in terms of creating chances and getting in better positions.

“It was just one of those nights where we got in good positions, but things just petered out, we give the ball away cheaply, not finished the action.

“But overall, to come away from home to what I believe is a Coventry City team that is evolving in the Championship, like ourselves, it is a tough game, so overall we’re delighted with a point.”

Luton worked within a tight budget to bolster their squad in close season.

Midfielder Jordan Clark arrived on a Bosman from Accrington Stanley, with James Bree’s season-long loan from Aston Villa turned into a full-time move.

Centre-half Tom Lockyer came from Charlton, with Joe Morrell brought in from Bristol City.

Jones had delved into the loan market too, defender Rhys Norrington-Davies borrowed from Sheffield United and midfielder Kieran Dewsbury-Hall arriving from Leicester City.

Luton’s leading scorer this season is James Collins with six goals – three in the league and three in the Carabao Cup.

Luke Berry, George Moncur, Matthew Pearson and Pelly Ruddock have weighed-in with two apiece.

Centre-half Pearson missed the Coventry game due to suspension, having been sent-off for two bookings at Swansea.

He’s likely to return to the side, although Jones will be mindful how well a reshaped defence played in the week.

Luton went three at the back at Coventry although normally operate in a 4-1-4-1 system.