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February 2001
LUTON BUY J10 SITE
After months (if not years) of speculation, Luton have bought 55 acres of land near Junction 10 of the M1 to build a new stadium and move away from the run-down Kenilworth Road (pictured).
Chairman Mike Watson-Challis has bought the land on behalf of LTFC, and we believe that a 15-20 thousand capacity stand-alone stadium is planned. The deal was negotiated by board members Eric Hood and John Mitchell.
Watson-Challis said, "Since I took a controlling interest in the club in June last year, I have been negotiating to purchase the land in order to provide every opportunity for the club, the fans and the town itself to protect the long term future of its football club, here in Luton. Along with the club’s project directors Eric Hood and John Mitchell, I will work exhaustively over the coming months to secure appropriate planning permission. I believe our dream and vision can become a reality and begin a new era for the town"
He added, "This demonstrates our long-term commitment to once again make the club a major force in football. Without doubt we will need to work with and have the support and understanding of many other people, and trust that our efforts to build a brighter future for the club will become a catalyst for other regenerative opportunities. The town of Luton, despite recent events, has promising times ahead and if we all work together we can build a better future and become a model for others to follow."
This is tremendous news for the club, and lets hope that obstacles such as planning applications can be overcome with the full support of the local council, so that the club can build itself up to be a football force to be reckoned with.
Story date: Wednesday, February 28, 2001
EVANS COULD BE KINNEAR'S FIRST SIGNING
It looks increasingly likely that Brentford captain Paul Evans could be Joe Kinnear's first signing as Luton manager. Speculation is increasing that Evans could be coming to Kenilworth Road this week in a £150,000 deal. Evans, a firm favourite with the Bees fans, is reportedly growing extremely frustrated with the lack of ambition shown at Griffin Park and it is no secret that Brentford supremo Ron Noades is looking to slash the wage bill and also bring in some money for his best players with the likely change in the transfer system looming.
The all-action former Shrewsbury midfielder is strong in the tackle and possesses a lethal shot. Paul led Brentford to the Third Division championship in 1998-99 and had another good season at Griffin Park in 1999-00, despite being hampered by recurrent hamstring trouble in the second half of the campaign. A scorer of spectacular goals, his best came against Preston when he lobbed the visiting ’keeper from a distance of more than 50-yards. Brentford supporters subsequently selected this sensational strike as the "Goal of the Decade" and it also featured in the "What Happened Next?" section of "Question of Sport."
If the story develops we will, as usual, keep you informed.
Story date: Monday, February 26, 2001
RESERVES AND YOUTH TEAM UPDATE
My first news story! Luton reserves drew 1-1 at Colchester United this afternoon in a league and league cup double header. Mark Stein was on target for a strong Hatters side, who lined up as follows:
Abbey, Scarlett, Brennan, Stirling, Watts, Johnson, Holmes, Breitenfelder, Thomson, Stein, Standen.
The main positive note to draw from this is the successful comeback from injury of Marvin Johnson and Julian Watts (pictured), who will come into contention for the visit of Bristol Rovers on Saturday. However, the result does mean that Luton have been eliminated at the group stage of the Combination League Cup, having failed to qualify in the top two places.
In other news, the Hatters' youth team were triumphant at the weekend, beating Northampton Town 3-1. Chris Dillon scored his 15th goal of the season and was joined on the scoresheet by fellow striker Duane Clarke and an own goal. Luton fielded two schoolboys - Kevin Foley and Stephen O'Leary in a very young side, still managing to record an impressive win.
The victory means Luton will now compete in the first division of the Merit League for the remainder of the season. Their first fixture in the second phase of their league program is on Saturday, when they entertain Plymouth Argyle at Luton Rugby Club, with a 12 o'clock kick-off.
Story date: Monday, February 26, 2001
FOTIADIS' INTERNATIONAL CALL AND DOUGLAS WON'T BE A TRACTOR BOY
Hatters striker Andrew Fotiadis (pictured) has been called into the Cyprus national squad for the first time in his career, but he looks set to miss the chance of winning his first cap because of the injury he picked up in yesterday's win at Swindon. Luton manager Joe Kinnear revelead that former England schoolboy international Fotiadis had been selected in the Cyprus squad, "Fotiadis got a kick in the groin and had to come off. He’s just got picked for his first cap, for Cyprus, and he’s supposed to be going away with the Cypriot national team, but I think he’s knackered now, so he’s going in for some sort of test first thing in the morning. I don’t think he’ll make it, which he’s disappointed about."
Fotiadis would become the fourth international player in the Luton squad with Stuart Fraser and Liam George Scotland U-21 and Eire U-21 internationals respectively, and Petri Helin a Finnish international.
Meanwhile, Kinnear has moved to quash rumours that Stuart Douglas could be set for a £650,000 move to Premiership Ipswich, "That’s news to me. No-one from Ipswich has spoken to me at all. I know George Burley very well. Ipswich have not even spoken to me, let alone made an offer to me. He’s injured at the moment. He has a knee injury and we won’t know how bad it is until Monday."
Story date: Sunday, February 25, 2001
FOUR OUT OF FIVE FOR SUPER HATTERS
Luton made it 4 wins out of 5 games since the arrival of Joe Kinnear at the County Ground, the home of Swindon Town. A spirited fightback after going a goal behind secured the points and greatly enhanced the Hatters chances of survival.
Despite being without Stuart Douglas, Luton picked up the three points with goals from Keith Rowland, Emmerson Boyce and Lee Mansell.
Gary Alexander gave the home side the lead after 39 minutes, nodding into an empty net after a calamitous error in dropping the ball by Mark Ovendale. However, the Hatters battled back and they were quickly level when Keith Rowland headed in an Emmerson Boyce cross after 44 minutes for his second goal since joining from QPR.
The second-half saw the Hatters deservedly go in front when Boyce himself scored, heading home a Matthew Taylor free-kick for his 3rd goal of the season. Luton made matters safe in injury-time, substitute Peter Thomson's shot saved by Swindon goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall, but falling to the feet of fellow substitute Lee Mansell who rolled the ball into the net for his 4th goal in 7 first-team appearances.
The win sees Luton move onto 30 points, 6 points ahead of second bottom Swansea, level on points with Bristol Rovers and only two points from safety.
Story date: Saturday, February 24, 2001
SWINDON PREVIEW
Luton travel to Swindon tomorrow in a relegation six-pointer. The Hatters are looking to bounce back from the 3-1 midweek defeat at Walsall but manager Joe Kinnear has been hit with injuries and has also been unable to purchase any new players in time for tomorrow’s crunch clash at the County Ground.
Midfielder Lee Mansell and strikers Liam George and Stuart Douglas are all likely to miss the match after picking up injuries in the match at the Bescot Stadium, while Andrew Fotiadis is also struggling after picking up heavy bruising to his back. Adam Locke is likely to replace Mansell, with Peter Thomson partnered in attack by either Fotiadis, Mark Stein or Tresor Kandol, who are both recovering from the flu.
Midfielder Paul McLaren played for the reserves in the 2-0 midweek defeat to Cambridge United, and he may be on the bench although it looks unlikely at this stage. Peter Holmes also looks set for a recall to the bench in place of Adam Locke who will start.
Kinnear will be hoping for a fourth win from five games, although these injuries will make the game that bit harder for the Hatters and test Kinnear’s managerial skills to the full.
Kinnear said, "Stuart Douglas looks the worst out of the four players and we really are in crisis with injuries. I was hoping to strengthen before this game but it looks likely that will have to wait. I'm going to assess the situation today but I will have to make a last-minute decision on some players, I could call on Mark Stein but he has been suffering with a 'flu virus. We have to forget about our performance against Walsall on Tuesday, as all I am interested in is getting three points come Saturday."
Swindon have picked up some impressive wins at home this season, beating Bury 3-0 and promotion-chasing Rotherham 2-1. They have, however, also lost 1-3 to Bristol Rovers, 2-3 to Brentford and 0-1 to Port Vale. They have a very talented midfielder in 9 goal top scorer Danny Invincible, and Australian who joined on a free transfer in the summer. They also possess two good strikers. Gary Alexander is a powerful forward who scored freely while on loan at Exeter City last season. A former West Ham player, he cost Swindon £300,000. He will be partnered by on-loan Sunderland striker Michael Reddy, who has hit 4 goals in 7 games, including the winner in last Saturday’s 1-0 win at Cambridge. He is showing exactly why his Sunderland manager Peter Reid values him at £5,000,000.
So it makes for a very exciting clash, so get yourselves to the County Ground and support the lads. Come on Luton!
Stats: -
You can check out the stats for Luton's matches against Swindon at Statto's Corner.
Betting: -
Our sponsors, Littlewoods Bet247, are offering the following odds: -
Swindon 11/10, Draw 12/5, Luton 15/8
Squad: -
Joe Kinnear is likely to pick his side from the following tomorrow: -
Abbey, Baptiste, Boyce, Breitenfelder, Dryden, Fotiadis, Helin, Holmes, Kandol, Locke, McGowan, Ovendale, Rowland, Scarlett, Spring, Stein, Stirling, Taylor, Thomson.
Story date: Friday, February 23, 2001
LEGS ELEVEN
Kenilworth Road has been chosen by the Football Association as the venue for the first Nationwide International Women's Friendly against Spain on Thursday 22nd March, kick-off 7.45pm.
Tickets for this game are available from Luton Town FC on 01582 411622.
Having qualified for Euro 2001 this summer, this is first in a series of friendlies for the senior England women's team.
Meanwhile, Luton's first pre-season first-team friendly has been announced, against First Division Norwich City.
The match will be played at Kenilworth Road on Saturday 4th August 2001, with a 3.00pm kick-off.
Story date: Thursday, February 22, 2001
VAN GALEN ON TRIAL AS KINNEAR STEPS UP SEARCH FOR NEW TALENT
Dutch striker Martijn Van Galen (pictured) has come to Kenilworth Road on trial as Joe Kinnear steps up his search for new players as the Hatters battle to avoid relegation from the Second Division. Van Galen is a 31 year-old striker from Dutch side RBC Roosendaal, who are struggling at the bottom of the Dutch First Division. Kinnear has admitted that he is searching for new talent, saying this week, "I'd like to bring someone in by the end of the week. I've been making enquiries and have had a lot of calls from people watching different players."
Kinnear also admitted that he had tried to sign West Brom defender Larus Sigurdsson, as exclusively revealed first here on Lutonfc.com. Kinnear said, "We have to tighten up at the back. I was going to go for West Brom defender Larus Sigurdsson but he was needed at the weekend and therefore wasn't available."
Kinnear is also being linked with ex-Hatters defender Matthew Upson, now at Premiership giants Arsenal. 'The Luton News' says that Upson could join on loan in time to play against Swindon on Saturday. Kinnear has said that he is trying to get a player on loan. Speaking after last night's defeat to Walsall he said, "I’d like to get active first thing tomorrow in the transfer market. We’ve got one loan available, which I might get in quickly and then maybe add two new faces by the weekend."
Meanwhile, former goalkeeping legend Pat Jennings has joined Luton as a part-time goalkeeping coach. Jennings is a good friend of Kinnear's and an ex-Spurs team-mate. Jennings, who played for Northern Ireland in two World Cups, played for both Tottenham and Arsenal and Kinnear said, "I have spoken to Pat this week and would like him here two days a week to work with our four goalkeepers."
If any more news arises you will, of course, hear it here first...
Story date: Wednesday, February 21, 2001
LUTON SLUMP TO FIRST KINNEAR DEFEAT
Luton lost for the first time under new manager Joe Kinnear tonight at the Bescot Stadium. Portugese striker Jorge Leitao gave the Saddlers the lead after 13 minutes, and midfielder Tom Bennett extended the lead to 2-0 after 36 minutes. Hatters midfielder Lee Mansell also went off injured during the first-half and he was replaced by Adam Locke.
2-0 at half-time and it looked bleak. Kinnear took off both strikers, Liam George and Stuart Douglas, and replaced them with Andrew Fotiadis and Peter Thomson, and it looked as though the move could work when Matthew Spring pulled it back to 2-1, thumping a shot past Walsall goalkeeper Jim Walker from the edge of the area after 55 minutes. Petri Helin also missed a great chance to score for Luton when he could only head at Jim Walker after a great cross from Matthew Taylor. However, it wasn't to be Luton's night as Darren Byfield made sure of the three points for Walsall with a 67th minute strike following a slip from Hatters defender Richard Dryden.
So the first defeat under Kinnear and the results have not really gone Luton's way tonight either. You may as well forget Oxford (they drew 1-1 anyway at home to Stoke, ex-Hatter Darren Patterson scoring the goal), Swansea were beaten 0-1 at home to Notts County (the only good result for Luton) while Port Vale beat Cambridge 4-2 having trailed 0-1 and Swindon drew 1-1 at home to Bournemouth. So Luton now go to the County Ground to play Swindon on Saturday in a relegation six-pointer and the game really is a must win.
Story date: Tuesday, February 20, 2001
WALSALL PREVIEW
Luton have a tough match tonight as they go to the Bescot Stadium to play Ray Graydon’s 3rd placed Walsall. The Saddlers have been in fine form this season, winning 16, drawing 9 and losing 7 of their 32 league matches. They have, however, stumbled in recent weeks and a match with Joe Kinnear’s Hatters, who are on fire, will not be the most appealing of games as they try to rekindle the form which saw them top-the-table at the beginning of the season.
Luton are looking for their fourth successive win under Kinnear having beaten Northampton, Notts County and Swansea since the arrival of the former Wimbledon manager. Kinnear will be boosted by the news that Stuart Douglas and Liam George are both fit to play tonight after picking up knocks in Saturday’s win over Swansea. There is also even more good news for Kinnear with Hatters physio Bruce Sewell stating that Julian Watts, Paul McLaren and Marvin Johnson are nearing fitness and ready for a return to training. McLaren and Johnson have been out of action since the 4-1 defeat at Reading on December 23rd, while Watts has been out since he pulled a hamstring in the game at Bournemouth on New Year’s Day. Sewell also said that Kent Karlsen is some way off with his knee ligament injury, but is improving nevertheless. Jude Stirling, Matthew Spring and Andrew Fotiadis all picked up knocks on their ankles against Swansea but all three trained yesterday and will be fit for tonight.
So there is nothing but good news from the Hatters camp at the moment! With Kinnear expected to field the same eleven that have been in such fine form for the fourth consecutive game, then we could well see a mini-upset tonight at the Bescot. Every player in the eleven has been performing well, with Mark Ovendale starting to show why Ricky Hill paid £425,000 for him, wing-backs Petri Helin and Matthew Taylor looking class-acts, the three central defenders, Jude Stirling, Emmerson Boyce and Richard Dryden gelling well together, Lee Mansell scoring freely from midfield, with Matthew Spring and Keith Rowland just sitting in the midfield and spraying the ball around. The two strikers aren’t doing bad either! Stuart Douglas has scored twice in the four games since Kinnear took over, as too has his partner Liam George. And Kinnear also has a striker in form on the bench – Andrew Fotiadis looking deadly when he steps off of the bench, as his super strike at Notts County proved.
Walsall’s best players are arguably their attacking ones. Darren Wrack, a former Derby and Bradford winger is a pacy player who scored 13 goals when Walsall were promoted two seasons ago, while Graydon has an abundance of talented strikers with Jorge Leitao, a £150,000 capture from Portugal scoring regularly, and Darren Byfield has also been hitting the net this season since his move from Aston Villa. Graydon also has Brett Angell, Ronnie Ekelund, once of Barcelona and Southampton, and Pedro Matias, a Spaniard who has been earning rave reviews. So the game will be a tough test without a doubt.
A win tonight could see Luton move up another two places in the Second Division table above Bristol Rovers and Port Vale and onto 30 points. What looked impossible a fortnight ago suddenly looks very real. SUPER JOE’S BARMY ARMY!
Stats: -
You can check out the stats for Luton's matches against Walsall at Statto's Corner.
Betting: -
Our sponsors, Littlewoods Bet247, are offering the following odds: -
Walsall 8/15, Draw 13/5, Luton 9/2
Squad: -
Joe Kinnear is likely to pick his side from the following tonight: -
Abbey, Baptiste, Boyce, Breitenfelder, Douglas, Dryden, Fotiadis, George, Helin, Holmes, Kandol, Locke, Mansell, McGowan, Ovendale, Rowland, Scarlett, Spring, Stein, Stirling, Taylor, Thomson.
Story date: Tuesday, February 20, 2001
SIGURDSSON TARGETTED?
The official West Bromwich Albion Website claims that Luton boss Joe Kinnear has failed in his attempts to sign Icelandic central defender Larus Sigurdsson on loan.
www.wba.co.uk says, "Reports in the south-east claim Second Division strugglers Luton Town failed in a bid to take Larus Sigurdsson to Kenilworth Road on-loan.
The Baggies defender was on the bench at St Andrews on Saturday, but has failed to force his way back into the starting line-up since recovering from a horrific cruciate ligament injury.
That appears to have prompted a loan enquiry from new Hatters Director of Football Joe Kinnear. A request which reports claim was rejected by The Baggies.
Megson told the website on Friday that none of his senior players will be allowed out on-loan in the vital run-in to the end of the season. He explained: "We're not going to loan out any of the players, unless it's a kid."
Kinnear had confirmed that he had made attempts to sign a player from West Brom, saying before the game with Swansea on Saturday, "I am absolutely going to strengthen the squad. I almost had two players for today. I had them lined up during the week from First Division sides, but it was Sod’s Law. I got a phone call yesterday from manager Gary Megson saying, 'We have to put the deal on hold. I’m playing him in the first-team tomorrow because the other lad’s gone down injured. Otherwise I’d have had another face in a central position.' Whether I can re-ignite the deal on Monday, I don’t know. I’d agreed things with the club and with the player’s agent, so I thought he would have been performing today, but it wasn’t to be."
However, other sources say that it is not Sigurdsson that Kinnear has targetted, but fellow central defender Matthew Carbon. We await further news...
Story date: Monday, February 19, 2001
FIVE STAR HATTERS WIN AGAIN
Luton picked up another win today, beating Swansea 5-3 and moving above the Swans in the process.
Lee Mansell made the dream start to his first home match for the Hatters, beating Roger Freestone with an overhead kick after just 3 minutes, and it was 2-0 to Luton after 9 minutes, Stuart Douglas volleying in at the far post from a Matthew Spring corner for his 5th goal of the season.
But Swansea fought back and Giovanni Savarese, a Venezualan international striker, headed home a David Romo free-kick to make it 2-1 and that's how it stayed until half-time. However, the Hatters restored their 2 goal cushion after 51 minutes, Liam George jinxing into the box, and when his shot was blocked, Lee Mansell looped the ball over the head of Keith Rowland, and the confused Swansea goalkeeper Roger Freestone for his second goal of the game.
But again Swansea pulled a goal back, Savarese scoring his second after some neat approach play from Leigh De-Vulgt. But 5 minutes later, the Hatters scored again, substitute Andrew Fotiadis, on for Douglas, setting up Keith Rowland who, after initially having his shot saved, rolled the ball past Freestone and in for 4-2 and his first goal since joining from QPR.
But there were still two more goals left in this pulsating match, Savarese completing his hat-trick after 80 minutes following some nervous looking Luton defending, but Liam George settled the game after 82 minutes, picking up a Petri Helin cross and spinning before curling a sweet left-foot shot around Freestone and into the far corner.
So three wins out of three for Kinnear and the win sees us move above Swansea and level on 27 points with Bristol Rovers. Next up a trip to Walsall on Tuesday and surely we can't make it four out of four? Or can we....?
Team: -
Ovendale, Helin, Stirling, Boyce, Dryden, Taylor, Mansell, Spring, Rowland (Locke, 90), George, Douglas (Fotiadis, 66).
Subs Not Used: Thomson, Breitenfelder, Abbey.
Story date: Saturday, February 17, 2001
SWANSEA PREVIEW
It’s a relegation six-pointer tomorrow at Kenilworth Road as last season’s Third Division champions Swansea City come to Bedfordshire. The game is likely to be a near sell-out with the match marking Joe Kinnear’s first home game in charge of the Hatters since his appointment. Kinnear has had a fantastic start to his time at Luton too – 1-0 and 3-1 wins at Northampton and Notts County respectively evidence of that.
The last time these two teams met the Hatters were on the end of a 4-0 drubbing when young defender Jude Stirling was sent-off for handball on his league debut. A lot has changed since then though, with first Lil Fuccillo and now Joe Kinnear taking over the manager’s role.
Kinnear is likely to field the same side for the third consecutive match, with Stirling again playing in the centre of defence and new boys Richard Dryden and Keith Rowland making their home debuts. Adam Locke may be fit to earn a place on the bench, Mark Stein could return to the bench at the expense of Tresor Kandol, while YTS midfielder Lee Mansell will play his first match at Kenilworth Road for the first-team. The Hatters strikers are on fire at the moment with Stuart Douglas scoring the winner at Northampton and Liam George and substitute Andrew Fotiadis scoring in the midweek win at Notts County. Hopefully, they can repeat their goal scoring feats against the Welsh side which would see the Hatters take 9 points out of a possible 9 since Kinnear took over.
After the win at Notts County Kinnear said, “We’re smoking at the moment and hopefully on Saturday we’ll be on fire.”
Swansea have been beaten heavily away from home on several occasions this season losing 3-1 at Bristol City, 4-2 at Rotherham and 5-1 at both Reading and Walsall. So the Swans are definitely there for the taking. However, they are not to be underestimated and they do have some talented players. Venezuelan international striker Gino Savarese, once a target of ex-Luton manager Ricky Hill, has been scoring regularly since joining the Vetch Field side, while winger Richie Appleby, a former Newcastle player, is a skilful player who likes to attack opposing defences and they have one of the best goalkeepers outside the Premiership in Roger Freestone. Central defender Jason Smith has been a big hit since his move from non-league football and they have picked up some impressive results, a 0-0 draw on Sky television against Millwall last Sunday evidence of that.
So make sure you get down to Kenilworth Road as it promises to be a thrilling encounter. Get behind the lads, please!
Stats: -
You can check out the stats for Luton's matches against Swansea at Statto's Corner.
Betting: -
Our sponsors, Littlewoods Bet247, are offering the following odds: -
Luton evens, Draw 9/4, Swansea 9/4
Squad: -
Joe Kinnear is likely to pick his side from the following tomorrow: -
Abbey, Baptiste, Boyce, Breitenfelder, Douglas, Dryden, Fotiadis, George, Helin, Holmes, Kandol, Locke, Mansell, McGowan, Ovendale, Rowland, Scarlett, Spring, Stein, Stirling, Taylor.
Story date: Friday, February 16, 2001
ANOTHER WIN AS LUTON SEE OFF NOTTS COUNTY
Luton picked up another win this evening to make it two wins from two games for new manager Joe Kinnear. Kinnear fielded the same eleven that beat Northampton on Saturday and it paid off as goals from Emmerson Boyce, Liam George and substitute Andrew Fotiadis gave the Hatters a 3-1 win over Notts County at Meadow Lane.
Boyce gave Luton the lead after 23 minutes with his second goal of the season. Keith Rowland kept the ball in play on the left hand-side and crossed for Boyce who headed past Darren Ward and into the net. However, shortly before the break Mark Stallard, the Magpies to goal scorer, equalised, poking the ball past the despairing Luton goalkeeper Mark Ovendale.
1-1 at half-time, but not for long as Liam George latched onto a Matthew Taylor cross and slotted home past Ward for 2-1 after 55 minutes. Stuart Douglas then limped off injured and was replaced by Tresor Kandol who, after just 15 minutes of being on, was himself replaced by Andrew Fotiadis. That could well be the end of Kandol at Luton. Fotiadis then sealed the game with 8 minutes remaining, skipping into the box and firing an unstoppable shot into the top right-hand corner and that was that...
So another win, and we now face Swansea at Kenilworth Road on Saturday in a relegation six-pointer. Tonight's win sees us go 10 points clear of bottom-placed Oxford United and level on 24 points with third-bottom Swansea City. A win on Saturday could potentially see us leap over Bristol Rovers and get level on points with Port Vale. So get down and get behind the lads, it promises to be a cracker!
Story date: Tuesday, February 13, 2001
NOTTS COUNTY PREVIEW
Joe Kinnear takes charge of Luton for the second time tonight as the Hatters travel to Meadow Lane to play Jock Scott’s 8th placed Notts County. The Magpies are flying having put together a tremendous run which has seen them win 6 and draw 1 of their last 7 home league games. They sit just 5 points outside the play-offs, but Luton will be boosted by Saturday’s excellent 1-0 win at Northampton in Kinnear’s first match in charge.
Kinnear is expected to field the same eleven that won at the Sixfields on Saturday. Jude Stirling had been rated 50/50 to play after picking up a knock, but he has now been passed fit to play and is expected to line up alongside Richard Dryden and Emmerson Boyce in the three-man central defence. However, Adam Locke, who Kinnear had hoped to have back in the squad today has picked up the flu and will miss out, as too will Peter Thomson, who has a head injury, Julian Watts, Marvin Johnson, Paul McLaren and Kent Karlsen. Mark Stein, who also had the flu, is still expected to be a substitute.
Kinnear said, “I was delighted with the attitude Saturday and I’ve just come back from training now, and it went extremely well, but sometimes things flatter to deceive. The fact that we won distorts many areas to improve. Notts County will be a tough one. They’re flying at home and it will be a very difficult game. But I’m delighted. When I came in here, I looked at the fixture list with Northampton and Notts County away from home and it’s not the best possible start you’d want. We were 30-odd points behind Northampton and I think we're about 40 behind Notts County, so you can see which team has been bang in form. But that’s not to say that we can’t go there and get something out of the game. I’d be delighted to go there and get a draw and then a decent result against Swansea on Saturday.”
Notts County have several very good players, in particular their strikers. Mark Stallard, who scored the winner in the Magpies 1-0 win at Kenilworth Road on the opening day of the season, has 18 goals while strike partner Danny Allsopp scored four goals in three loan appearances and was promptly signed for £300,000 from Manchester City. Allsopp now has 6 goals in 11 league matches and he and Stallard are forming a very potent strike force. Midfielder Ian Hamilton is an experienced and skilful player who has previously represented Southampton, Cambridge, Scunthorpe, WBA and Sheffield United. Goalkeeper Darren Ward is a Wales international and he has attracted the attention of several Premiership clubs, but let’s hope that tonight isn’t one of his better performances.
So it makes for a very exciting game, and please if you can, get up to Meadow Lane and support the Hatters!
Stats: -
You can check out the stats for Luton's matches against Notts County at Statto's Corner.
Betting: -
Our sponsors, Littlewoods Bet247, are offering the following odds: -
Notts County 8/15, Draw 13/5, Luton 9/2
Squad: -
Joe Kinnear is likely to pick his side from the following tonight: -
Abbey, Baptiste, Boyce, Breitenfelder, Douglas, Dryden, Fotiadis, George, Helin, Holmes, Kandol, Mansell, McGowan, Ovendale, Rowland, Scarlett, Spring, Stein, Stirling, Taylor.
Story date: Tuesday, February 13, 2001
FORMER HATTERS FIND NEW CLUBS
Former Luton central defender James Ayres has joined Conference outfit Dagenham and Redbridge a month after being released by ex-Luton manager Lil Fuccillo. Ayres, who recently had a trial at Peterborough United, made his Daggers debut in Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Nuneaton Borough.
Meanwhile, striker Lee Nogan (pictured), who mysteriously walked out on Luton, has signed a three-month contract with Third Division York City. He, like Ayres, had a sour debut for his new club, as the Minstermen were beaten at Scunthorpe.
Story date: Monday, February 12, 2001
DOUGLAS HEADER SEALS VICTORY IN KINNEAR'S FIRST MATCH
Luton picked up a superb 1-0 win at Northampton Town yesterday. Stuart Douglas scored the goal after just 4 minutes, heading home a Petri Helin cross for his fourth goal of the season in Joe Kinnear's first match in charge of the Hatters.
And Luton could even afford to miss a 68th minute penalty as Matthew Spring blasted his shot against the bar after Liam George had been fouled after tricking his way through two Northampton defenders.
New boys Richard Dryden and Keith Rowland were both impressive as Luton reverted back to a 5-3-2 formation. Petri Helin returned from injury at right wing-back and Matthew Taylor came back from suspension at left wing-back. Dryden made his debut in the centre of defence alongside Emmerson Boyce and Jude Stirling who was given a rare starting place. Matthew Spring, Rowland and youngster Lee Mansell formed the midfield with Stuart Douglas and Liam George, who replaced Andrew Fotiadis, forming the strike partnership.
Mark Ovendale also made three superb saves to keep Northampton at bay, in particular one magnificent stop from Cobblers top goal scorer Jamie Forrester.
At the end of the game, the 1,250 travelling Luton supporters sang, "One Lil Fuccillo, there's only one Lil Fuccillo..." as the former Hatters manager clapped the supporters. Is that the last we have seen of Fuccillo...?
Afterwards, Kinnear spoke of the victory, "That was an excellent performance. I thought we would have done well to get a draw here, so I’m delighted. Scoring the penalty would have made life easier and would have settled game, but this has given a big lift to the dressing room. The lads are on fire in there. One thing that I have been able to make everybody aware of is that we were looking for three points. Sometimes when you’re in this position, players can hide and they need some guidance. But from what I’ve seen, there is a lot of potential at the club. The three centre-backs in particular coped very well, and we looked dangerous going forward. This is a wonderful start but now we must not get carried away."
"I’d have settled for a 1-0 before coming to Northampton because they’re a long way ahead of us in the League, but I said to the players, 'Go out and express yourself, show me what you’re capable of and forget about the position in the league. Be brave out there, want the ball. There’s no place to hide any more.' One thing I wouldn’t stand is players that are not committed and are hiding out on the pitch."
So could this be the start of Luton's miraculous relegation escape? Let's hope so...
Story date: Sunday, February 11, 2001
NORTHAMPTON PREVIEW
Joe Kinnear takes over as the Hatters manager for the first time tomorrow as Luton go to the Sixfields Stadium to play 8th placed Northampton Town in what will be a fiercly competed derby game.
The match promises to be an exciting affair, and Luton will be backed by a strong army of travelling supporters, with all 1,250 tickets that have been allocated to the Hatters sold. Remember that the match is all-ticket for Luton fans, so if you haven't got a ticket, you may as well save yourself the journey!
Kinnear will be assisted by John Moore and Lil Fuccillo who will help him select from the available players. Kinnear will be boosted by the return from suspension of Matthew Taylor, and the returns from injuries for wing-back Petri Helin defender Friedrich Breitenfelder and midfielder Adam Locke. Central defender Richard Dryden and left-sided midfielder Keith Rowland also look set to make their debuts. Dryden will know a lot about Northampton having played 10 times for them this season during a loan spell, his debut for the Cobblers coming in their 2-0 win at Kenilworth Road earlier this season.
Liam George may also be recalled to the starting eleven having scored the winner in the 1-0 midweek friendly victory over the Ivory Coast.
Stuart Douglas and Andrew Fotiadis are likely to be the strike partnership, although Mark Stein and Peter Thomson are also fit for selection.
The Hatters are, though, still without the injured Marvin Johnson, Julian Watts and Stuart Fraser, while Kent Karlsen is also struggling to be fit.
Northampton are looking for their second successive promotion having come up from the Third Division last season. Sitting just outside the play-offs, they have everything to go for and it will certainly be a tough game for Luton. Their danger man is former Leeds, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Utrecht and Walsall striker Jamie Forrester. Forrester, snapped up on a free in the summer, has bagged 17 goals in 31 appearances this season, while strike partner Steve Howard is also a dangerous target man who scored in the Cobblers win at Luton this season. They also have another striker who has been prolific in his career - but has only scored 4 times this season - Marco Gabbiadini.
Its a must win game for Luton, and backed by their army of travelling fans, and the boost of Joe Kinnear, we could well be celebrating three points come 4:45 pm tomorrow...
Stats: -
You can check out the stats for Luton's matches against Northampton at Statto's Corner.
Betting: -
Our sponsors, Littlewoods Bet247, are offering the following odds: -
Northampton 8/13, Draw 12/5, Luton 4/1
Squad: -
Joe Kinnear is likely to pick his side from the following tomorrow: -
Abbey, Baptiste, Boyce, Breitenfelder, Douglas, Dryden, Fotiadis, George, Helin, Holmes, Kandol, Karlsen, Locke, Mansell, McGowan, Ovendale, Rowland, Scarlett, Spring, Stein, Stirling, Taylor, Thomson.
Story date: Friday, February 9, 2001
KINNEAR BECOMES HATTERS MANAGER
Joe Kinnear has today confirmed himself as the new manager of Luton Town Football Club just a day after being named as Director of Football. Kinnear takes over from Lil Fuccillo who has been offered a coaching job at Kenilworth Road, but Kinnear has stated that he would like to bring in his own coaching team, which could signal the end for the long-serving John Moore.
Kinnear said, "I'm the manager, full stop. I'm in charge of anything to do with football. The bottom line is that Luton are in trouble and they've come to me to get them out of trouble and, as from Monday, I will be tested to the full and I'm 100 per cent confident I can do it. Money will be made available for me to build the club, so I've got to convince players that this is the club for them, and that the club has a future. I'm hoping to get a big response from the players as there are a lot of talented players here. When I went to Wimbledon we were second from bottom and it was a case of keeping them up that year without going into the transfer market. This is a similar case but I've got the option of going out and buying players. It's not going to be easy but I never run away from a fight. I haven't got a magic wand but I've still got plenty to offer."
We will keep you posted...
Story date: Thursday, February 8, 2001
OFFICIAL AT LAST
Luton Town FC have today announced that Joe Kinnear is the new Director of Football at Kenilworth Road (as we told you he would be first here on Lutonfc.com).
Hatters chairman Mike Watson-Challis said, "I am delighted Joe has decided to join us and am confident that his vast experience and energy will assist the club to gain some of its past glories. Joe will be responsible for all football matters, reporting directly to the board and we wish him every success in his new position."
Of his appointment, Kinnear said, "I am delighted to be involved with Luton and believe the club has huge potential. My role is to ensure that this potential is realised on the field of play and that the club quickly regains some of the ground it has lost in recent years."
Kinnear's career: -
1946: Born Dublin on December 27.
1965: Signs for Tottenham in February. Between 1965 and 1974 the right-back makes 196 League appearances (7 as sub) for Spurs and scores two goals.
1967: Makes his Republic of Ireland debut against Turkey.
1975: Moves to Brighton in August and plays 16 times (1 as sub) for the Seagulls that year, scoring one goal.
1976: Wins the last of his 26 caps (2 as a sub) against Turkey.
1992: Succeeds Peter Withe as manager of Wimbledon in January 1992.
1994: Leads Wimbledon to sixth in the Premiership, their highest finish in the top flight.
1995: Wimbledon finish ninth in the League.
1996: Turns down chance to take over from Jack Charlton as Republic
of Ireland manager.
1997: Leads Wimbledon to the semi-finals of both cups and to eighth
in the Premiership.
1998: Securing Premier status 2 weeks from finish, ending up in 15th place.
1999: Leaves Wimbledon after a mild heart attack.
2000: Named as the new manager of rock bottom Second Division outfit Oxford United FC.
2001: Leaves Oxford with the U'S still bottom of Division Two for alleged "Health reasons."
2001: Appointed Luton Town FC Director of Football.
Meanwhile, it is still not known what position Lil Fuccillo will hold at Kenilworth Road. Kinnear has also stated that he approached Oxford manager David Kemp to join him at Luton, but Oxford refused the Hatters permission to speak to Kemp.
Kinnear will now take charge of Luton's Second Division match at Northampton on Saturday.
Story date: Wednesday, February 7, 2001
OWNERS TO CHANGE?
According to the back page of todays Currant Bun Joe Kinnear is set to take over not only as manager but as owner of Luton. They claim Kinnear is head of a consortium that also includes John Mitchell who are interested in a £5,000,000 takeover. The deal is allegedly being underwritten by the Irish backers who tried to persuade Wimbledon to move to Dublin.
We are still awaiting an official announcement from the club.
Story date: Wednesday, February 7, 2001
ANNOUNCEMENT DELAYED AS USUAL
It looks like the usual LTFC ploy of announcing that there will be an announcement, only for nothing to actually happen, has struck again.
We had today been expecting an announcement concerning the managerial situation, having last week been informed that a Director of football was being sought. Former Wimbledon manager Joe Kinnear, having resigned as Director of Football at Oxford at the beginning of last week, was widely expected to take up a position at Kenilworth Road.
However, a press conference that had been called for this afternoon failed to happen. It has been indicated that announcements will hopefully now be made later in the week.
Current Manager Lil Fuccillo said this afternoon he had not been informed of any developments, and was preparing the team as usual before Saturday's local derby at Northampton.
That's all we know at the moment. Anything further will be up on the site as soon as it happens.
Story date: Tuesday, February 6, 2001
PRESS CONFERENCE CALLED
Luton have called a press conference for Tuesday. It is not known what the conference is for, but it is assumed that it will be either an announcement on the proposed new stadium or the naming of the new director of football, or maybe even both.
John Mitchell has gone on record to say that there would be an announcement on the new stadium by the end of the first week in February. He said "Talk is cheap but I can say categorically that we will have some news by the first week in February. I think fans will be comforted by what’s going to come out." It would look certain that this news would be the purchase of land off junction 10 of the M1.
As first brought to you by lutonfc.com on Friday, Joe Kinnear looks set to join the club, having said that "Luton have made me an offer I can't refuse". Whether this is as Manager or Director of Football is uncertain.
Watch this space...
Story date: Monday, February 5, 2001
KINNEAR TO TAKE OVER AS HATTERS BOSS?
The Observer newspaper today claims that Joe Kinnear is, as reported here on Lutonfc.com, to take over as the new Luton manager. Lil Fuccillo had said that the Hatters were to appoint a Director of Football, and it was thought that Kinnear would fill that role, but it now seems that Kinnear is to take over as manager in place of Fuccillo.
Kinnear said, "I was given the all-clear by the doctors a long time ago now and I have never been fitter since I was playing for Tottenham. I have always maintained that I wanted to return to management when the Wimbledon fairy-tale came to an end and I'm raring to go again. I'd not planned to jump back in so quickly after leaving Oxford but Luton have made me an offer I can't refuse. It looks like the Crazy Gang is becoming a Mad Hatter!"
Former Hatters favourite Mick Harford is also rumoured to be returning along with Kinnear, and the move would be very appealing to all Luton supporters. If the move comes off, full credit to chairman Mike Watson-Challis for securing a manager who has attracted interest from Sheffield Wednesday, Celtic, Nottingham Forest and Derby during his career. Could the good times finally be back at Kenilworth Road? Let's hope so...
Story date: Sunday, February 4, 2001
ROTHERHAM MATCH CALLED OFF
Today's match against Rotherham United at Kenilworth Road has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. It is the third Saturday running that the Hatters match has been called off, with the game at London Road against Peterborough postponed and last weekend's Second Division match at home to Reading also falling victim to the weather.
It means that loan signing Keith Rowland will have to wait another week to make his debut, as too will new defender Richard Dryden.
Story date: Saturday, February 3, 2001
LUTON TO APPOINT A DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL
Lutonfc.com has ANOTHER exclusive! Hatters manager Lil Fuccillo has just confirmed on BBC Three Counties Radio that Luton Town FC are to appoint a Director of Football.
Fuccillo said that his position will remain unchanged. He said that several people have been interviewed for the job, and although no names have been mentioned, it seems that Joe Kinnear could be the new man (as again exclusively revelead on Lutonfc.com today).
Fuccillo has also stated that his job remains to keep the Hatters in the Second Division and that he will continue to work to the best of his ability.
Well! I don't think anyone had been expecting this! We will, as usual, keep you informed of any further developments...
Story date: Friday, February 2, 2001
KINNEAR LINKED WITH HATTERS MANAGER JOB
Speculation is increasing that former Wimbledon manager Joe Kinnear is to take over as the new Luton boss. Kinnear, who just days ago left Luton's fellow Second Division strugglers Oxford United for alleged "Health reasons", is a well respected manager who not only kept Wimbledon in the Premiership for years, but also led them to some top-of-the-table finishes.
The Sun newspaper today said, "Joe Kinnear is in line to take over as manager of Second Division strugglers Luton. Kinnear quit as Oxford's director of football this week after just four months at the Manor Ground.
He wants to take Robbie Earle from Wimbledon as his assistant but the Dons will battle to hang on to their club captain. The Hatters are locked in a relegation struggle after being hit by a string of cruel injuries to key players. Kinnear will become the Hatters' fourth manager inside a year if he moves to Kenilworth Road."
Here is a brief summary of Kinnear's life: -
1946: Born Dublin on December 27.
1965: Signs for Tottenham in February. Between 1965 and 1974 the right-back makes 196 League appearances (7 as sub) for Spurs and scores two goals.
1967: Makes his Republic of Ireland debut against Turkey.
1975: Moves to Brighton in August and plays 16 times (1 as sub) for the Seagulls that year, scoring one goal.
1976: Wins the last of his 26 caps (2 as a sub) against Turkey.
1992: Succeeds Peter Withe as manager of Wimbledon in January 1992.
1994: Leads Wimbledon to sixth in the Premiership, their highest finish in the top flight.
1995: Wimbledon finish ninth in the League.
1996: Turns down chance to take over from Jack Charlton as Republic
of Ireland manager.
1997: Leads Wimbledon to the semi-finals of both cups and to eighth
in the Premiership.
1998: Securing Premier status 2 weeks from finish, ending up in 15th place.
1999: Leaves Wimbledon after a mild heart attack.
2000: Named as the new manager of rock bottom Second Division outfit Oxford United FC.
2001: Leaves Oxford with the U'S still bottom of Division Two for alleged "Health reasons."
Although many Luton supporters would be sad to see Lil Fuccillo leave Kenilworth Road, Kinnear could be just the sort of manager the Hatters need if they are to avoid relegation to the Third Division.
Story date: Friday, February 2, 2001
ROTHERHAM PREVIEW
It’s back into action tomorrow for Luton as promotion-chasing Rotherham United come to Kenilworth Road. The Hatters’ last two Saturday matches have been postponed because of poor weather, but the match with the Millers tomorrow looks like it will not fall victim to the weather as the other two games have.
Manager Lil Fuccillo has drafted in central defender Richard Dryden from Premiership Southampton on a three-month contract and he will make his debut, replacing Adrian Whitbread who has returned to Portsmouth after turning down the Hatters offer of a permanent deal. Matthew Taylor is also set to return from his suspension and he will form a key partnership down the left-hand side with Keith Rowland, another debutant, who has signed from QPR on a three-month loan. Luton are also boosted by the news that defender Friedrich Breitenfelder has returned from injury and midfielder Adam Locke has also returned from his injury, and looks likely to come into the midfield.
18 year-old YTS midfielder Lee Mansell may feature again, although with the return from injury of Locke, and the signing of Rowland, he may have to settle for a place on the substitutes bench. He also captained the youth team in their 3-2 FA Youth Cup defeat to Manchester City, so he may well be rested for tomorrow’s match. Fuccillo has also hinted that Stuart Douglas could be rested and drop to the bench, with Liam George returning to the starting eleven. Fellow strikers Mark Stein and Peter Thomson are likely to be named as substitutes again.
Having finished as runners-up in the Third Division last season, Rotherham have shocked many people, perhaps even their own supporters by making a sensational start to their campaign. Ronnie Moore’s side are flying high and challenging for promotion straight into the First Division and they have three very capable strikers in the shape of the vastly experienced Mark Robins, the pacy Paul Warne and target man Alan Lee. Ex-Manchester United, Leicester, Norwich, Panionos and Walsall striker Robins has bagged 14 goals for the Millers this season following his free transfer move in the summer, including the equaliser against the Hatters in the 1-1 draw at Millmoor earlier this season. Warne, signed on a free transfer from Wigan, has socred 6 times, while ex-Aston Villa striker Lee, signed from Burnley for £150,000, has bagged seven goals. Towering defender Guy Branston is also a very uncompromising character and Luton’s forwards will have to be at their very best if they are to get past him.
It makes for a very interesting game, with two Luton debutants, players returning from injury, and not to mention the desperate need for points. So get yourself down to Kenilworth Road tomorrow as it promises to be an exciting game.
Stats: -
You can check out the stats for Luton's matches against Rotherham at Statto's Corner.
Betting: -
Our sponsors, Littlewoods Bet247, are offering the following odds: -
Luton 15/8, Draw 12/5, Rotherham 11/10
Squad: -
Lil Fuccillo is likely to pick his side from the following tomorrow: -
Abbey, Baptiste, Boyce, Breitenfelder, Douglas, Dryden, Fotiadis, George, Holmes, Kandol, Karlsen, Locke, Mansell, McGowan, Ovendale, Rowland, Scarlett, Spring, Stein, Stirling, Taylor, Thomson.
Story date: Friday, February 2, 2001
HATTERS SNAP UP SAINT DRYDEN
Luton manager Lil Fuccillo today signed 31 year-old Southampton central defender Richard Dryden to replace the departed Adrian Whitbread. Whitbread yesterday rejected the Hatters offer of a permanent deal and has returned to Portsmouth. Dryden has signed a three-month contract and looks set to make his debut in Saturday's match with Rotherham United at Kenilworth Road.
The 6 ft defender has already enjoyed loan spells at Luton's Second Division rivals Swindon and Northampton this campaign. He made 10 appearances during his time with the Cobblers and also featured in their 2-0 win at Kenilworth Road earlier this season. He also enjoyed a spell on loan at Stoke City last season.
Dryden was a regular in the Southampton team under Graeme Souness, but he become a forgotten man at the Dell over the last two seasons, making only a handful of appearances for the club. A powerful central defender who shows great composure and poses a regular threat at set pieces, he had two spells on loan at Stoke in 1999-2000 and made clear his wish to join the club, in line with his family’s desire to move nearer to his Nottingham home.
He recently recovered from a serious injury, and he looked the part during his first spell at the Britannia Stadium before another injury put Stoke’s plans to sign him on hold. Back at the Dell, he was recalled by Southampton against Newcastle in January but he hadn’t trained for six weeks and not surprisingly he was not match fit and struggled. Meanwhile, Stoke had kept him in mind, and prior to transfer deadline day he rejoined the club for a second loan period. With the advent of a 4-4-2 system he briefly lost his place in the starting line-up, although he contributed to Stoke's victory in the Auto Windscreens Shield final at Wembley as a second-half substitute. A permanent move to the Potteries fell through in the summer.
Dryden began his career as a trainee at Bristol Rovers in 1987 and then moved to Exeter City before a loan spell at Manchester City. In 1991 he joined Notts County for £250,000, before he moved to Birmingham City, Bristol City and then onto Southampton. He made a total of 54 appearances for the Saints. His last loan spell ended with Swindon on January 26th.
He will, hopefully, be able to add some much needed experience to a struggling young Hatters side.
Story date: Thursday, February 1, 2001
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