Cash trouble prompts Blackwell to quit Luton

Kevin Blackwell and his Luton Town management team have tendered their resignations at Kenilworth Road.

Following the 9 February League One game against Bournemouth, manager Blackwell, his assistant Sam Ellis and head coach John Carver will leave the cash-strapped club after losing patience with administrators. Five players have left while three others are under offer, prompting Blackwell's drastic action.

Luton's season has been a tale of woe after entering administration on 22 November, losing 10 points in the process and leaving them in the relegation zone, where they are three points adrift of safety.

"We came to Luton Town Football Club last spring with a clear mission," read a statement from the trio. "Very quickly we found that Luton Town Football Club did not do what it said on the tin. We have had to generate cash – more than £3m from the sale of key players – rather than invest it. Our inheritance has ended up including lawsuits and FA charges.

"It is now our belief that no possible future scenario for this club can match – in any way, shape or form – what we came here to do.

"Ironically, we no longer have contracts that would require us to give notice – but we are acutely aware that to just down tools and walk out would simply add to the short-term problems." They will therefore stay until the Bournemouth game in four weeks' time.