Luton chief Gary Sweet says Nathan Jones made great effort to repair the relationship with him and the 2020 Board, which opened the door for his return to the Kenilworth Road managerial hotseat today.
The Town supremo admitted the Welshman is ‘the best manager that we’ve had at Luton for decades’ and his previous work, which included promotion from League Two, means he is the perfect candidate to help the relegation-threatened Hatters survive in the Championship.
Jones marked his 47th birthday today by being unveiled as the Luton boss for a second time, after 16 months away, in which he left under a cloud to join Stoke City before being sacked by the Potters in November.
His departure left a bitter taste in the mouth for many fans and Sweet was public at the time, back in January 2019, in denouncing the timing.
Town, of course, went on to win the League One title with Mick Harford temporary at the helm, and the chief recruitment officer has now been installed as Jones’ assistant for the remainder of the season.
Today, Sweet said: “Everyone knows that when Nathan left, we had differences, every observer knows exactly what we thought about Nathan when he left for Stoke, we could hardly hide that at the time, it was well documented.
“Nobody could argue with the move that Nathan wanted to make at the time, that was never in question, it was just the manner which Nathan left that we all felt disgruntled with at the time. It left a bit to be desired.
“But we simply couldn’t just take that and move forward, without that being repaired, so I’m telling you now that that situation has been repaired, not just with me, but with the Board. This is a board decision.
“Nathan has gone to great lengths and humble lengths to make sure that has been fully repaired, so the fact remains though that Nathan is the best manager that we’ve had at Luton for decades.
“His three years with us, previously, were revolutionary. They enabled us to elevate our status as a club beyond our wildest dreams. Where we were when he came in, the first time around, was in a good place, but look at where we are right now.
“So, we just need to dig deep and get out of the situation we’re in at the moment and we’ll be in a fantastic position.
“The difference I can tell you between being in League One next season, not just financially, but in the Championship next season when we can be more competitive, is so stark.
“So, from that point of view, let’s put any of those differences behind us, one week of madness shouldn’t just detract from those three fantastic years that Nathan gave us before and we’ve got a marvellous opportunity to put this club back on track with Nathan at the helm
“And, for the sake of the club, all I’m asking is for supporters is to get behind the club for the next nine games, whatever your views are.
“But I’m also asking for you to have the support of the Board. This is a board decision, they’re fully behind it, behind Nathan and Mick’s appointment at this time.
“It does excite us and fill is with confidence for those nine games remaining in the season.”
