Still: It was a tough decision to let Neilson and Kharine go

Town boss John Still admitted it was a desperately tough decision to reshuffle his coaching staff last week, writes Mike Simmonds.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Jul 2013, 12:22 BST
Alan Neilson and Dmitri Kharine were at the first day of pre-season trainingAlan Neilson and Dmitri Kharine were at the first day of pre-season training
Alan Neilson and Dmitri Kharine were at the first day of pre-season training

The Hatters chief released first team coach Alan Neilson and goalkeeping coach Dmitri Kharine on Thursday.

Still then appointed ex-Grays Athletic boss Hakan Hayrettin as first team coach, and will unveil his new goalkeeping coach shortly, completing his backroom staff.

He said: “It was really, really difficult because when I came I had in mind that I wanted Dave Richardson (strength and conditioning coach).

Most Popular

“I did look at other areas, but I couldn’t bring people in because they were contracted to other clubs.

“It wasn’t easy to tell them (Neilson and Kharine) because I’d got to know them.”

Still also confirmed the news had come as a surprise to the pair as, asked if Neilson and Kharine knew of the decision during the first day at pre-season training, he said: “I don’t think so, I really don’t think so.”

For the full story, see the Luton News/Dunstable Gazette on sale now, while for all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, MOM poll, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our Hatters Microsite.

Related topics:Luton News