Next Luton Town manager: Six former Bristol City men considered for Hatters job

Former Bristol City head coach Dean Holden has been listed as a contender for the managerial vacancy at Luton Town. Nathan Jones’ departure was confirmed on Thursday morning, after being appointed manager of Southampton on a four-year deal.

It is the second time that Jones has left Kenilworth Road after taking up a job with Stoke City in 2019. His time there was unsuccessful and he returned to Hatters in 2020, guiding them to the play-offs last season.

Whoever takes up the reins at Luton will inherit a side currently in ninth in the Championship standings. They suffered a 2-0 defeat to Stoke in Jones’ last game in charge but are just two points off of the top six.

As markets open about who might take over from Nathan Jones, ex-Robins man Dean Holden has been listed as a candidate. The 43-year-old has been listed for several jobs this season, but has so far not been appointed for any of the vacancies.

Holden is in search of his next job after he departed Stoke following the appointment of Alex Neil. Holden was caretaker manager after Michael O’Neil’s departure but left after his one and only game in charge. He was head coach at Bristol City from July 2020 to February 2021 but was sacked and subsequently replaced by Nigel Pearson.

Ex-Robins midfielder Gary O’Neil is also listed amongst the contenders. O’Neil is currently the interim manager of AFC Bournemouth after taking up the hot seat following Scott Parker’s departure. Bournemouth are awaiting Premier League approval for American billionaire Bill Foley’s takeover to be completed which could see him choose his own manager. It was reported earlier this week that O’Neil is someone that Luton ‘liked’ and that he would be considered as a candidate.

Two former City defenders Sean Dyche and Jody Morris have also been listed. Dyche has been out of work since being sacked as Burnley manager. The 51-year-old has yet to return to management but has been linked with a handful of vacancies. Morris, who finished his playing career with City in 2013, is the furthest out of the four contenders.

Former trialist Sol Bamba, who trained with City in August and featured once for their under-21’s, is an outside candidate, as well as Tony Pulis, who was once manager at Ashton Gate. One-time loanee Paul Tisdale who made five appearances between 1997 and 1998, is also down for the role.

Neil Critchley (4/1)

Rob Edwards (5/1)

Steven Schumacher (6/1)

Dean Holden (14/1)

Gary O’Neil (16/1)

Sean Dyche (16/1)

Jody Morris (20/1)

Sol Bamba (25/1)

Tony Pulis (25/1)

Paul Tisdale (25/1)