Former Leeds boss gets Luton job

Luton have today unveiled former Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell as their new manager.

The 48-year-old, who was sacked by Leeds in September, replaces Mike Newell at Kenilworth Road after the previous Hatters chief was axed earlier this month.

Luton-born Blackwell made his name as a coach at Sheffield United after a playing career as a goalkeeper with Scarborough, Huddersfield, Torquay and Plymouth.

He was installed as manager of Leeds in the summer of 2004 and guided the club to the following season’s Coca-Cola Championship play-off final, where they were beaten by Watford.

This term, however, Blackwell lasted just eight games before being sacked and replaced by Dennis Wise.

The controversial Newell was dismissed following another blast at the board over the sale of his best players, with Luton on the back of a five-game losing run which sees them second from bottom of the Championship – one place above Leeds.

Blackwell’s first game in charge will be a crucial trip to fellow strugglers Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.