Luke Cummings: Return of fans will be a massive boost for Linnets
Barry, Wales 01 May 2021. JD Cymru Premier Championship Conference match between Barry Town United and Bala Town, played at Jenner Park. Credit: Will Cheshire / Y Clwb Pel Droed.
Barry Town’s Luke Cummings has expressed the return of fans will be a huge boost to the Linnets.
Gavin Chesterfield’s side are one of the best supported clubs in the Cymru Premier and after over a year of playing behind closed doors, will welcome fans back to Jenner Park this season.
Right-back Cummings revealed that the squad have found it difficult without the Barry faithful and the return of the supporters will be of huge benefit.
“It’s massive for the club to get the fans back in. It was probably a contributing factor as to why we didn’t do so well last year.
“They give you that extra 10-15% when the game isn’t going your way. To have them back is going to be massive for us this season.
“I’m hoping that they’ll travel in their numbers and will be there when we’re at home as well.
“Fans do make games. When they make that sort of noise in such a big stadium like Jenner Park, it can feel very empty when there’s nobody there. It’s going to be massive.
“This is my third season now at Barry, so the memories I have from the fans being there in my first season, they were great ones so I’m hoping that we can give them something to look forward to now that they’re back.”
Barry Town finished fifth in the Cymru Premier last season, their lowest finish since the 2017-2018 campaign.
The Linnets’ season came to a disappointing end, with a 3-1 loss to Caernarfon Town in the European play-offs, ending a run of two-straight years of competing in Europe.
After a frustrating campaign, Cummings insisted that bouncing back would be the perfect way to thank the fans, staff and volunteers for their support.
“It will mean a lot. I think we’ve been written off already, which is a good thing in my eyes because it’s going to make us even hungrier.
“We all know that we underachieved last season and the lack of fans had a part in that. The season was so stop-start that it didn’t feel right.
“A good season would mean a huge amount not only to the boys, but also to the staff and the volunteers who work tremendously behind the scenes.
“They’ve been there for the last six weeks freshening the ground up, even painting in the dark!
“Myself and all the lads really appreciate everything that they’ve done and it’s now up to us to give back.”
The Linnets begin their campaign as they travel to Park Avenue to face Aberystwyth Town.
Chesterfield’s side claimed two victories over the Seasiders last season, with both fixtures full of drama.
The Linnets were behind and down to ten men at Park Avenue, before goals from Kayne McLaggon and Jordan Cotterill saw them turn the game on its head.
At Jenner Park, both sides had numerous chances in an end-to-end contest, but Nathaniel Jarvis scored a last-minute winner for the hosts.
After two difficult games against Aberystwyth Town last season, Cummings is expecting no different in Saturday’s curtain-raiser.
“They’re always a tough team. I know they didn’t have a great year last season, but they always seem to give us a good game.
“Obviously, they’ve got a new manager in Corbs (Antonio Corbisiero) who I know quite well and I’m sure he’s going to bring in new ideas.
“I’m expecting a big test, especially with it being the first game of the season. I’m sure everyone’s chomping at the bit and it’s going to be tough.
“I think whoever you play in the first game, you have to start positive, whether that’s with a point or three points.
“We’ll be aiming for three points on Saturday, but we’re not going to take anything for granted. We need to focus on what we’re good at and if we do that, we’ll come away with a positive result.”
