Newell extends Luton deal

Luton Town have agreed a two-year contract extension with manager Mike Newell.

The former Hartlepool boss has committed his future to the League One leaders until 2007, and coach Brian Stein has also followed suit.

Under Newell's stewardship The Hatters have been the surprise League One package this season, and are currently placed 13 points above the play-off places.

The sensational performance of the side had led Newell to be linked with the Blackburn job, and securing his signature for another two years will be seen as a significant development at Kenilworth Road.

Following the controversial sacking of Joe Kinnear in the summer of 2003, Newell was installed after winning a vote orchestrated by the club's owners at the time.

His appointment was met with a muted response after the treatment of Kinnear, however his guidance of the club during their dark days of administration quickly established him as a firm fans' favourite.

Now chairman Bill Tomlins has expressed his delight at securing the future of Newell and his assistant Stein.

"This is one of the most important announcements I have had the pleasure in finalising," Tomlins told the club's official website.

"Myself and the board are delighted to have secured Mike and Brian's futures with the club as this will continue to keep our football management team strong in taking us forward."

In other news, Luton have taken Nottingham Forest midfielder Kevin James on trial.

The 25-year-old will spend the week with Newell's side after failing to hold down a place at Forest since his summer move from Gillingham.