Newell talked to trio

Luton escapade caused coach to lose his passion

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 30th November 2008

Newell talked to trio

Newell: Caused controversy

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Mike Newell has revealed that he went for interviews at Norwich, Burnley and Shrewsbury before taking the Grimsby job.

The former Everton striker was out of the game for just over 18 months before taking the reins at Blundell Park in October.

He admits that during that time his passion for football had subsided, with his acrimonious departure from former club Luton causing him to re-evaluate his options.

Newell had alleged that the sport was awash with corruption, with bungs commonplace in the murky world of agents and advisors.

He accepts that even now there are some people who refuse to accept his whistle-blowing antics, but insists that his time spent mulling over his actions has made him even more determined to be a success with the Mariners.

Patient

"I fell out of love with the game. I didn't even take notice of games on the telly," Newell told the Sunday Express.

"I'd play golf every Saturday afternoon and really enjoyed being away from football completely.

"I had a few calls and went for interviews at Norwich, Burnley and Shrewsbury, but I wasn't ready.

"But last month Grimsby called. I wasn't sure but after speaking to the people at the club it felt right.

"I have no doubt that there have been people in the game - and there still are some - who won't come near me, no matter how much success I have.

"I just couldn't let what was happening under my nose at Luton carry on. Maybe I should have walked away from it but I believed, wrongly, that I could see that regime off."