Nathan Jones leaves Luton Town for Premier League side Southampton
The former Hatters boss brings his second spell with the club to an end
Last updated 10th Nov 2022
Southampton have announced the appointment of Luton Town's Nathan Jones as its new manager, following the sacking of Ralph Hasenhüttl.
The Welshman was spotted at St Mary's on Wednesday, watching on as his new club beat Sheffield Wednesday via a penalty shootout in the EFL Cup.
Jones brings his second spell at Kenilworth Road to an end, with the club sitting 9th in the Championship, 2 points below the playoff places.
His Luton side made a strong impression throughout the 2021/22 season, only missing out on securing coveted Premier League football by the slimmest of margins - losing 2-1 on aggregate to Huddersfield in the playoff semifinal, ending their hopes of a date with Wembley.
Media Officer at Luton Town Supporters' Club, Kevin Harper, says it's sad to see him go but the club wishes him all the best:
"If anyone deserves to manage in the Premier League, it's him."
"Obviously everyone has dreams of managing at the highest level and he's no different, we can't stand in his way."
"It would have just been so nice if we could have finished the job last season and he managed us in the Premier League this season."
"It's not necessarily doom and gloom that we can't get promoted but obviously it's a big loss."
"The players don't just play for Nathan Jones; they play for Luton Town."
The question on everyone's lips surrounds the likely candidates to replace Jones in the dug out. With the World Cup right around the corner and promotion up for grabs, it gives the club ample time to consider their options; of which Kevin Harper believes there are many:
"I suspect there is an intention to promote from within. Some of the coaches we've recruited seem to be with that intention."
"Whether this will have come too soon or not, I'm not sure."
"If that is the case, then I would imagine they would look for an elder head, someone like a Chris Wilder perhaps."