Stechy was a mainstay in the Hatters' starting XI up until mid-March, and his excellent form was rewarded with a one-year contract extension last week keeping him at Kenilworth Road until 2020

The supporters played a major role in his decision to extend his stay at the club, with the Czech Republic international loving his time in Bedfordshire so far.

He said: "The fans are incredible here. Every home game is nearly sold out and every away game – if it's Carlisle we take 2,000. They've been absolutely outstanding, which is obviously massively helpful.

"Through thick and thin, when we were losing or winning they were behind us. They play a big part when you know they're behind you all season and that was very important for us."

The level of expectation for the players' level of fitness has ramped up in line with the Hatters winning promotion, and the 28-year-old is enjoying the keepers' role in that, despite the heatwave!

"It's lovely weather, especially when you're a keeper!" Stech continued.

"It has been lovely so far. It has been tough, we've had one week so far, the keepers have been included in all of the runs. It's a bit different from last year, but we have to go through it, we've stepped up a level and that's what we have to do.

"We've got a couple of days here and then we're going to Slovenia on Saturday. We'll go out and have a really good week over there, then we come back and the season pretty much starts!

"I am looking forward to the Hitchin game. That's what we're here for, to play the games. It's going to be nice to be back and get some minutes under my belt."