Lukey's Two Keys

The Greens’ captain was as disappointed as any Pilgrim on Tuesday night, when Derek Adams’ side was surprisingly well beaten by Blackpool in a game that they had hoped would enable them to cut the gap on Sky Bet League Two leaders Doncaster to a single point.

The defeat left Argyle still comfortably in the division’s play-off places, six points ahead of third-placed Portsmouth, with just 11 matches of the season to be played. However, with the Pilgrims having won one of their last six games, the Green Army have not been backward in coming forward to express their promotion anxieties.

Luke understands where they are coming from, but said: “Players and fans alike have to believe and have to trust in each other. If we can continue to come together as we have all season, we will be able to achieve what everyone wants.

“We know there is an expectancy from the supporters, and you can feel that. The atmosphere that the fans create transcends on to the pitch – whether they are up, whether they are down. They are a big part of what we do. We know that expectancy is there.

“Having said that, I’d say that the expectancy we are putting on ourselves is also as great. 

“Before we were players ourselves, we were football fans, so we understand that they want us to do well, but we want do well more than they do. We understand there are going to be grumbles, but no-one will be more disappointed than the lads and staff after games like [Blackpool].

“It helps us an awful lot when they get behind us but I understand that it’s a two-way street and we need to get them up and going. It all works together. The supporters have been great to us all season, so sometimes they are entitled to a mumble and a grumble.”

Luke is certain that the contribution from the No.12 shirt in the remaining 11 matches – which begin this Saturday when the Pilgrims travel to play-off chasing Mansfield Town – will be as valuable as any squad member. 

“As players, it helps and awful lot when the supporters get behind us,” he said. “It was particularly noticeable when we played Exeter and they were making extra effort to get behind the lads; even when there were little lulls in the game, they were still singing and getting behind us. As a player, you know that the supporters are willing you on at that stage.

“Sometimes they might have to be a little bit patient with us – that will be appreciated – but ‘Keep coming; keep supporting; and keep getting behind us’ would be the message.”