Luton release Neill and Dunbar

Luton Town Football Club 2020 Ltd (LTFC2020) has announced today that it has released first team coach Warren Neill and performance manager Joe Dunbar, as their contracts came to an end.

Both were appointed by the administrator, Brendan Guilfoyle following the departure of Kevin Blackwell and his staff. Both men played a significant role in restructuring the playing squad in the close season, but recent results have not been what the club have been looking for and it is clear that new ideas are drastically needed in the coaching depatment.

Mick Harford said:

‘Both guys have done a tremendous amount for the club and fans should thank them both for their contribution. We had a huge task on our hands putting a squad together for this season and without their knowledge and support that would have been an impossible task.

‘They have supported me during this difficult year and I am full of gratitude for their support and friendship. I know both guys very well and respect them hugely. Very few people would have taken on the challenge at the time they did and I wish them every success in the future.’

Gary Sweet, Managing Director of LTFC2020 said:

‘We know the situation we are in and we are aware of the skills needed. Warren and Joe have done a great job for us but this club is in a unique situation and clinical action is sometimes required in order for us to maximise our chances of survival.

‘Decisions like this are always hard and we have spoken to both of them personally to explain the situation, however, we now feel we need to introduce a change of emphasis at this time. We will be taking interviews and making an announcement in the next few days on their long-term replacements.’

Antony Brown, LTFC2020 director, added:

‘We have a good squad of players and we need to overcome our injury problems. Everyone strongly believes that we can overcome the plight we face and we know the importance of being able to play our first choice eleven. As the club is stabilising financially we have the opportunity to step up the support in the dressing room and on the training pitch so that is what we intend to do.’

Until further announcements are made Alan Neilsen will support Mick by taking temporary charge of first team coaching.