Newell Stays! - Updated

After BBC Sports Three Counties Radio broke the story, which Mike Newell confirmed on air just after 12.30 today, Luton Town Football Club issued a statement on their official website.

The Club Announcement read as follows:

Chairman Bill Tomlins is pleased to announce that our Manager Michael Newell has today notified Leicester City FC that his future lies with Luton Town Football Club

Michael Newell said: 'I have made my decision to stay at Luton and I am very happy with that decision. I thank Leicester City for their interest in me and wish them well.'

Chairman Bill Tomlins commented: 'Michael has acted very professionally regarding the interest shown in him and being mindful of all the speculation, he has kept me fully informed of the situation over the past week.

I am delighted that he has decided to stay at the Club and will continue to be part of our footballing ambitions for the future. I am sure like me all our supporters will be pleased by Michael's decision.

I, for one, am extremely pleased that the decision is made and we can move on. Speculation of this sort can only disrupt the preparation and morale of the players, the supporters and everyone associated with the club.

You made the right choice Mike, now let's have some loans in to bolster the squad and see if you can prove me wrong in believing that the play-offs have gone for us this season!


Mike Newell has announced his reasons for staying, despite speculation that he was offered the Leicester role.

Mike said that he was never really close to leaving the Hatters and was quoted on Clubcall as saying:

"Never at any stage did I ever feel I was going to leave here, and I can honestly say that.

"I spoke to Leicester on a couple of occasions, and they have conducted their business in the right manner. I know it's a good club from my time there as a player and I felt it would be rude not to speak to them, but at no stage did I speak to them with the intention of leaving this club.

"I got a gut reaction on Wednesday morning that I was happy where I was, and that was the first reaction I've had in the last ten days.

"I won't give up hope of attaining a playoff place by the end of the season. The teams that are in those positions have been on great form, but I'd be very surprised if one of them doesn't blow up."

However, his flirtation with the Foxes seems to have shaken up the Luton hierarchy, which may just have been the object of the exercise, as it seems new investors in the club are imminent, and a new contract is being drawn up for Mr Newell.

Nice one Michael!