PARKER 'EXCITED' TO GET SEASON UNDERWAY

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Clarets Head Coach looks ahead to Monday night's opener at Kenilworth Road

2024-08-09T15:03:46.263Z

PARKER 'EXCITED' TO GET SEASON UNDERWAY

Clarets Head Coach looks ahead to Monday night's opener at Kenilworth Road

2024-08-09T15:03:46.263Z

Clarets Head Coach looks ahead to Monday night's opener at Kenilworth Road

Head Coach Scott Parker described Monday's trip to Luton Town for the new season opener as an 'exciting challenge' but a challenge that him and his side are looking forward to.

The fixture against the Hatters will be Parker's first competitive game in charge of the Club, after taking charge in July and the former West Ham and Spurs midfielder acknowledges there is still work to be done, but is ready for the 2024/25 campaign to kick off.

Speaking to the media on Friday ahead of the visit to Kenilworth Road, Parker said: “It’s definitely an exciting one. It’s two teams coming out of the Premier League so it’s a big challenge there, but for both sides I’m sure.

"Rob (Edwards) and the guys there I’m sure will be feeling the same. It’s a game we’re looking forward to.”

Parker added: “Rob has done an incredible job. We saw this first hand last year, it’s a difficult place to go. Top teams went there and had a real fight.

“The way they play, they’re aggressive, it’s a tight stadium, they cause you problems and if ever there was a game to start the season where you have to be right up for a battle, this is it.

“Rob has done a great job there. He gave them a real fighting chance last year and our team will be under no illusions to what they face.

“While saying that, we also have big quality and hopefully we can hurt them as well.”

MATCH PREVIEW: LUTON TOWN V BURNLEY - Image 6

Parker is expecting tough competition from the fellow Championship opponents this campaign and explained his thoughts on the league & what it will take to be successful this season.

The Head Coach said: “You look at the division this year and there are probably 10 or 12 teams that are wanting to be in and around the play-offs, perhaps even more.

“There are teams who are in this division now for their second season and there’s the three teams coming down, who are all going to be hugely competitive.

“It’s probably similar to my first season at Fulham when the league was a very competitive league with Leeds, Brentford, West Brom, real strong sides. I probably see it quite similar this year.

“Like always, no matter of talent gets you out of this league. While it helps, of course it does, it can be the difference maker in certain games and in certain moments, what is key with the amount of games you play and the turnaround is developing far more as a team to get you over the line.

“That’s been my main focus really. This is a team last year that has been relegated and obviously lost a lot of games - and that’s no slight on Vincent because I’ve been in that exact same position in the Premier League, not winning a lot of games, but there’s no denying in certain moments the most important thing is to build that back up.

“We need to get to a point where we’re a winning machine really and we need to change that mindset in certain instances.”

PARKER 'EXCITED' TO GET SEASON UNDERWAY - Image 2

When asked for an update on the squad's injured players, Parker said: “We haven’t got many concerns.

“Obviously we’ve got some longer-term injuries who are on the right track, but other than that it’s pretty much a full squad to choose from.”

Parked added: “They’re (Ramsey & Redmond) doing well. Aaron is heading in the right direction, but it’s probably more of a long-term injury for him and that process for him will probably be a bit longer.

“Nathan is the same. He comes off a bit of a long-term injury as well but he’s pushing and progressing the right way.

“The hardest thing for any player is when you’re injured, because you just want to play football, so it’s challenging times for these boys.

“But everything I’m seeing in and around the training ground and the way they’re applying themselves suggests they’re doing everything they can to speed that process up as quickly as possible.”