Portsmouth title winner facing hate mob as former Rangers, Bristol City and Wigan Athletic man finds himself in firing line
The former Rangers man made a big impact at Fratton Park, but is facing tougher times with Luton Town at present in League One.
He’ll be forever remembered for his leading role in Pompey’s charge to title glory.
Seven goals in nine games as Paul Cook’s men dramatically delivered League Two victory on the final day of the 2016-17 campaign, means Kal Naismith’s place as a Fratton favourite is assured.
Pompey winner facing Luton Town jeers and boos in League One
Yet Naismith isn’t being viewed as favourably among the followers of his current employers, as he faces a testing time in League One with Luton Town.
In fact the former Rangers man, who made 94 in three years at PO4, is having to deal with the Hatters hate mob, as he finds himself firmly in the firing line at Kenilworth Road.
Luton boss Jack Wilshere has been forced to leap to the defence of the 33-year-old, after enduring some dark moments across recent weeks in the third tier.
The Hatters skipper has taken on a leading role under Wilshere, with the attacker-turned-defender earning praise for ‘standing up in tough moments’.
Naismith came to the aid of team-mate Teden Mengi earlier this year, after one flashpoint with a Luton fan.
Then the Glasgow-born man delivered a call for unity after his side were subjected to boos last month, following a 5-0 thrashing by Barnsley.
That didn’t go down well in all quarters, though Wilshere spoke out in support of his player after nullifying the threat of League One danger man Amario Cozier-Duberry in the 1-1 draw with Bolton at the end of last month.
‘I can hear the fans, and have read some stuff as well, and I just don't agree,’ the Luton boss told the BBC.
‘He's been outstanding. He stands up in tough moments, he's faced adversity himself at times, but I know how much he's respected by the staff and the players.
Jack Wilshere on Kal Naismith: ‘He’ll be back’
‘Omario (Cozier-Duberry of Bolton) is arguably the best player in the league and for someone to control him and be aggressive from the first minute, he killed Omario's spirit - he's a top defender and also really good with the ball.
‘Number one, he cares about his team-mates, but he also really cares about the club and bringing the club back to where it belongs, getting promoted out of this division, he has a real big ambition and we love him.’
Things have since headed downhill for Naismith this month, as he faced boos and jeers at Leyton Orient for misplaced passes and then getting caught in possession for a goal. Then last time out, Naismith was withdrawn in a 3-2 defeat to Reading after suffering a calf issue.
Speaking after his bleak Orient experience, Wilshere reiterated his support for Naismith.
He told Luton Today: ‘He’ll be back, Kal. You know how much I think of Kal and how much we need his leadership qualities and his quality on the pitch.
‘It probably wasn’t his best game, he’ll be the first to admit that, but he’ll be back and he’ll stand in front of everyone. Like I’ve told you, if I’m a fan of a club and I see my captain come off and do that, that’s what I want to see, so he’ll be back for sure.’