Yahoo Sports Bloomfield has 'absolute belief' in Luton quality
Manager Matt Bloomfield hopes to hit the ground running when he takes charge of Luton Town for the first time against Preston North End.
The former Wycombe boss said he had already built up "quite a big knowledge base" having observed the squad in training and on video - in some cases watching them playing for previous teams.
The Hatters are 20th in the table, just two points above the relegation places, and would have been in even deeper waters were it not for their six wins at home.
"There's absolute belief in the group that we've got here. Some of these boys played in the Premier League last year, some have been recruited for millions of pounds, we've got some very good footballers," Bloomfield told BBC Three Counties Radio.
"We're missing a few through injury, but the quality of their work [in training] has been fantastic so far, and I'm really excited to watch them play."
Bloomfield was appointed on Tuesday after agreeing a three-and-a-half-year contract with chief executive Gary Sweet.
And following the fanfare of his unveiling, it was quickly back to reality for the 40-year-old as he worked to get to know the squad at his disposal, including last week's signing, Isaiah Jones from Middlesbrough.
"The intensity of the sessions has been good; they're listening, working well together, and we're really looking forward to [seeing] the product of that," he said.
"There's obviously a settling-in process; that's natural, but it's really important we build that working relationship and understand what each other needs for that to be successful.
"The way they are receiving the information has been very respectful, and I've really enjoyed the sessions so far."
All the players will start with a "clean slate", said Bloomfield, as he looks to build a side that can also win games away from Kenilworth Road - having only earned four points from a possible 39 under Edwards.
"A change of management is good for some, not so good for others, and indifferent for some; that's just part of the industry. Everyone has got a clean slate with me. I like to try and take people as I find them," he added.
"The way we treat each other and conduct ourselves around the training ground and represent the club is absolutely crucial. We're looking forward to working with the whole group and seeing where we can take it."
Although Luton are likely to be moving to a new stadium at Power Court in 2028 or 2029, he described himself as "a bit of a football romantic" and happy to be working at Kenilworth Road, the club's home since 1905.
"I love old football grounds; I love the history and heritage they bring. I really enjoyed going to those older grounds in my [playing] career," said Bloomfield, who will be without midfielder Lamine Fanne against Preston because of an ankle problem.
"I really enjoyed seeing the different parts of the ground and sensing that history. It's a special place and somewhere I'm really looking forward to working."
