Blackwell in at Luton

Last updated : 27 March 2007 By Tony Scholes
Blackwell was Leeds boss for just over two seasons, and last season got them into the play off final although many judges believe that given the squad of players he had at his disposal he should have taken them up.

A poor start to the 2006/07 campaign saw Ken Bates get his chance to replace him with Dennis Wise and since Blackwell has been touting himself with regular appearances on Sky's Football League Review programme.

Today he's been given the opportunity to return to management at struggling Luton and he will quickly see the one club below them are the club he started the season with. Maybe he'll end the season having managed two clubs both relegated from the same division, it will not be a first but there won't be too many managers who have achieved it.

Newell was sacked after one outburst too many and former Hatter Brian Stein was in temporary charge for the last game but now the job has gone to Blackwell who has signed a contract until the end of the 2010/11 season with the Kenilworth Road club.

Luton born Blackwell said on his appointment: "I'm not daunted by the size of the challenge. I can only do my best and give it a go. I've come here for the long term. There's a vision at this football club that excites me and it is something I'm looking forward to. Things are happening at Luton that could turn the club into a major player again and I want to be part of that."