Fed-up Blackwell signals intent to quit Luton

KEVIN BLACKWELL and his Luton management team have tendered their resignations at Kenilworth Road.

Effective following the February 9 League One clash with Bournemouth, manager Blackwell, his assistant Sam Ellis and head coach John Carver will walk away from the cash-strapped club after losing patience with administrators.

Five players have left while three others are under offer, leaving former Leeds boss Blackwell to take the drastic action.

“We came to Luton Town FC last spring with a clear mission,” read a statement from the trio. “Very quickly we found that Luton Town FC did not do what it said on the tin.

“We have had to generate cash — more than £3 million from the sale of key players — rather than invest it. Our inheritance has ended up including lawsuits and FA charges.

“It is our belief that no possible future scenario for this club can match — in any shape or form — what we came here to do. We no longer have contracts that would require us to give notice — but we are acutely aware that to just down tools and walk out would add to the short-term problems.

“We will therefore continue to work, under our current basic terms and conditions, for approximately one month — leaving the club after the home game against Bournemouth on February 9.”

Luton moved into administration on November 22, losing 10 points in the process and leaving them in the relegation zone, where they are currently three points adrift of safety.

The players and management team have seen their wages held back but managed to hold Liverpool to a 1-1 draw in last week’s FA Cup third round, ensuring a money-spinning replay at Anfield.