The highly anticipated fixture takes place at Vicarage Road on Saturday at 12:30pm and the gaffer made sure to make it extremely clear that he and his players know all about the importance of this game.
“We’re looking forward to it,” Jones told the local press earlier this afternoon. “I know the importance of the game to fans and to both clubs, we know that, we’ve just come off the back of a tough game against Man United, so we’re dusting everyone down and then we’ll do our prep to be ready for Saturday.
“It’s a derby, and the players know the importance of it. I don’t think they need to be told any more. It is a big game, an important game, one I’d imagine both sets of fans have waited for a while. It’s been a while since they’ve been able to do that, but we’re glad we’re in this league, and to then face a derby rival is a good occasion.
“I’ve played in a few (derbies). We know the importance. They’ve always got a bit of spice, whether it’s a renowned derby like a Cardiff v Swansea, or a Celtic v Rangers, or whether it’s London derby, there's always a bit more spice and we know that Luton-Watford has that spice, so we’re looking forward to it, another big, big game and it finishes off a big week.”
With two wins from two in the Sky Bet Championship, Jones only has eyes for a third successive win to continue the 100 per cent start to the league campaign.
“Right now, would we settle for a point? No," said the gaffer, matter of factly. "There is still three points up for grabs so until that is not feasible, we won’t be settling for that, but we are in a decent place now. You can’t second guess what you’re going to get or not, but I would like three. At the minute we have a point so let’s see if we can get three.”
From board level right down, the passion for this game is well-known, especially since it has been more 14 years since the last meeting between the two sides in April 2006.
“We’re all looking forward to this game," said the Welshman, who spoke of experience of a Luton-Watford derby from the stands at Kenilworth Road during his spell as a young player here.
"It’s a massive game and we’re really excited about it, but these games are week in, week out now. The board and Gary are fans, and that’s why it means so much to them and that’s why the club has done so well, because we’ve got fans - and sane fans by the way, because fans can be emotional and knee-jerk.
“But to run a business takes a level of restraint, and I think we’ve got a good balance here. But the fact that they are fans means that they care about the club in every little thing that we do in and around the club. Whether it’s painting or the orange chairs, whatever it is, it means that we are able to move forward because they are such good fans.
"But, what we have to realise is how far we’ve come, how far we want to go, we’re on that journey and this is another step.”
Don't forget that the only way to Saturday's match is on iFollow Hatters, when former Town defender Leon Barnett - who played in the two most recent derbies in 2005-06 - will be co-commentating.
Season ticket holders unfortunately do not receive a code for this one as it is a weekend away game, but match passes can br purchased for £10 by clicking the image below.
