Luton appoint John Still as manager

Luton Town have announced Dagenham & Redbridge boss John Still as their new manager, writes Mike Simmonds.

A statement on the Hatters’ official website said: “The Hatters will be holding a 1pm press conference at Kenilworth Road to unveil the appointment of John Still as the club’s new manager.

“Having left his post at previous club Dagenham & Redbridge, Still will assume control with immediate effect.”

Still joined Leyton Orient as a junior, but saw his playing career cut short due to a knee injury.

His first managerial role came at Leytonstone which was followed by spells at Dartford and Maidstone, before taking over at Redbridge, who merged with Dagenham to become Dagenham & Rebridge.

Still was appointed boss of Peterborough United in August 1994, but departed in October 1995 and became Barnet manager in June 1997, leaving in February 2002.

He returned to Daggers in April 2004, leading the club into the Football League and then League One via a 3-2 play-off final win over Rotherham United at Wembley.

The club were relegated back to League Two though and Still, who had been the fourth longest serving manager in the Football League behind Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and David Moyes, after almost nine years in charge, leaves Daggers 16th in League Two,

A statement from Dagenham & Redbridge said: “Dagenham & Redbridge manager John Still has decided the time is right to end his nine year stay at the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Stadium and will take over this afternoon as manager of Luton Town.

“John had two offers on the table for his services and was given permission by the board of directors to talk to Luton Town at the weekend. He has thought over the proposal from the Blue Square Premier side and has decided to take up the new challenge.

“Under the terms of his contract Dagenham & Redbridge FC were entitled to a large compensation fee from the Hatters but that would have stopped John from being able to make the move.

“In light of the fantastic job he has done for the Daggers Luton will instead pay a nominal amount up front with further nominal payments depending on their success with John at the helm. The club will also be sending a side to play a pre season friendly at Kenilworth Road

“The Daggers board was initially shocked and disappointed on learning of John’s decision but once they realised that it was his wish now to move they quickly decided that to stand in his way would have been wrong given his service to the club.

“As disappointed as many will be the club would like to formally express its thanks to John for everything he has done and wish him every success in his chosen path.”

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