Buckle demands strong officiating in play-offs

HATTERS boss Paul Buckle has called for the officials to stay strong during Town’s play-off semi-final first leg against Wrexham tomorrow night, writes Mike Simmonds.

Luton have already lost twice to the Welsh side this season, and most noticeably during the 1-0 defeat at Kenilworth Road back in October, the Red Dragons employed time-wasting tactics from near enough the first whistle.

When asked about Wrexham’s style of play, Buckle said: “I’ve heard that. I’ve not played against Wrexham and can only go on what Alan (Neilson), Paul (Carden), Dimi (Kharine) and the players tell me, but I have heard that about slowing it down.

“I don’t agree with that, that’s not for me. You’ll never see my team slow it down as I can’t accept that.

“All I hope is on the night the officials recognise that, if it happens, because people pay good money to come in and they want to be entertained.

“We can’t affect that and if they do decide to waste time, I see that as a mark of respect.

“It’s ridiculous though and hopefully the officials can spot that.

“That’s their job, to spot time wasting, and I’m confident they’ll do that.

“I’m always reluctant to comment on the opposition. We pay our respects to Wrexham, we know their strengths, but it’s about what we do.

“We’ve been in excellent form, haveplayed in massive games and have been fighting our guts out to get into the play-offs.”

Town were 5-1 winners against Wrexham at this stage last season, but Buckle thinks that won’t play any part in proceedings this time round.

He continued: “They’ve probably got different players, we’ve got different players, but since I’ve been at the club, we’re doing things differently.

“I’ve put a lot of different things into the players, a lot of stuff that the opposition won’t know about, so I feel we’ve got a slight advantage where that’s concerned.

“It’s a massive game for two big clubs, there’s no getting away from that.”

Kenilworth Road is likely to be sold out too, which enthused Buckle as he added: “It brings a smile to my face to think about the game. I’m looking forward to managing a Luton side at Kenilworth Road with, I think over 9,000 going to be at the game.

“That’s why I’ve worked hard all my career to be involved in those sorts of games and I’m sure the players are ready too.”

To vote for the Luton News player of the season award, and for all the latest Hatters news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our Hatters Microsite.

Related topics: