Nathan Jones: Luton Town boss named new Stoke City manager

Championship club Stoke City have appointed Luton Town boss Nathan Jones as their new manager.

The 45-year-old Welsham replaces Gary Rowett who was sacked by the Potters on Tuesday.

Jones had been in charge of the Hatters since January 2016, and led them to promotion from League Two last season.

He leaves them flying high in second place in League One.

Stoke agreed a compensation package with Luton after making an official approach on Tuesday.

“Nathan is an incredibly driven and passionate individual and we are delighted to have secured his services for Stoke City," Stoke chairman Peter Coates and vice-chairman John Coates said in a joint statement.

"We have been following Nathan's career for some time and when we met him were hugely impressed with his clear vision as to how he will achieve success at Stoke."

Jones described the decision to leave Luton as "the hardest of his life" but admitted that the opportunity to take the reins at Stoke was too good to turn down.

“I have to say that this was the toughest decision of my life, it really was - I know that is a cliché at times when managers move clubs, but it really was for me," Jones said.

“The environment was special there, I had excellent relationships with key people, my relationship with the supporters was outstanding and I also had a group of players who dedicated every part of their life to performing well for the club.

“All of those key aspects combined enhanced both my reputation and that of Luton Town, so it was a very tough decision to make.

“To get me to leave that really needed something special and the people at Luton were fully aware of that.

“I have had other opportunities in the Championship before with numerous clubs, but none of those were of the stature and standing of Stoke City."

Jones' points per game ratio of 1.820 per game from 139 matches in charge is the best in Luton's history, and the club have thanked him for his contribution at Kenilworth Road.

"We wish Nathan every success in his future career and would like to thank him for his service and the passion he has shown for our club. Further announcements on his replacement will be made in due course," a statement read.

"We all look forward to a mouth-watering game at third-placed Sunderland on Saturday to kick-off one of the biggest weeks in the club’s history, with a famous night under the lights at Kenilworth Road in prospect on Tuesday, and the following day’s Council Development Control committee meeting for our new stadium at Power Court.

"It’s a great time to be a Hatter, so business goes on as usual. COYH!"