Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer has said that teams will fear coming to Kenilworth Road this season and that there is no ground like it in the Premier League.
The Hatters are gearing up for their inaugural Premier League campaign, which starts with a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on August 12 before their first home game on September 1 against West Ham United and have been putting the final touches to their ground to ensure it complies with the league’s rules.
Kenilworth Road has been at the centre of a lot of jokes, including that away end, but Lockyer and his teammates have embraced it and believe that people won’t find it easy to come away with three points from their home.
“I think it’s brilliant to be honest with you,” he said with a smile on his face. “When Kenilworth Road is gone, and it will be gone eventually what with the plans for the new stadium, it’s the last of its kind, people will miss it.
“Everybody wants to say what they want about the away end but once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. I honestly think you’ll struggle to find anywhere as special.
“It’s massive, it’s going to have to be our fortress if we want to survive this season and we’ve always done well there so hopefully that can continue.”
He then added: “I think the fans will look forward to going there but in terms of the away teams, the Premier League has tremendous quality everywhere, there’s not an easy game anywhere you look.
“If we can use it to our advantage, it’s not the easiest place to come and play football, we’re gonna need that if we are to stay up. Hopefully we can make it as hostile as possible and an intimidating place.”
Lockyer was speaking at Wembley Stadium where he was working as part of EE’s Connected Club Cup – an Esports competition played between grassroots gamers across England to give them the chance to go up against some of the stars in the England squad.
After its great success last year, the defender knew he had to get involved. He said: “When I got invited to come down and be a part of it this year I jumped at the opportunity and while I don’t play a lot of FIFA myself to be honest with you, I’m unbeaten with my games and I’ve really enjoyed myself.”
The Wales international also praised the competition for helping to bring people together across the country.
“It’s brilliant,” he added. People from all walks of life are playing in the competition and it’s great to see everyone having a good time and my first game was Robson and he comes from where I grew up as a kid so we got on really well. If I’m rooting for anyone now it’s going to have to be him!”
It was the first time Lockyer had returned to Wembley since the day he had collapsed during the Hatters’ play-off final win against Coventry City.
The Luton skipper was subbed off in the sixth minute but despite having to leave the pitch, he still looks back with pride.
“This is the first time I’ve been back to Wembley since the incident. After six minutes I was getting stretchered off and on the way to hospital. I had so many doubts over whether I’d even play football again, the what ifs and all that.
“I felt like I let everyone down. I know that was out of my control now looking back but at the time, I felt like I had let my teammates down.
“In terms of getting over it, when you’re in hospital and you see that result come in saying we’re promoted that certainly does help. With football, everyone goes on about the highs but there’s definitely lows to it and I think that shows more about a player, how you react to them lows.
“When it’s going well I almost think anyone can do it, you’re full of confidence and on top of the world but when it’s the other side it’s a lot harder.
“It was only when I pulled up to the car park I was like: ‘the last time I was here I was getting wheeled away’ but it was alright.
“I looked down at the area where I collapsed and just thought ‘it is what it is’. I’ve got the all clear now and I’m looking forward and not back.”
Tom Lockyer has teamed up with EE on the Connected Club Cup, an Esports FIFA competition which saw grassroots gamers battle it out to become the men’s and women’s Connected Club Cup champions.
