Kinnear parts company with Luton

Joe Kinnear and his assistant, Mick Harford, have left Luton Town after new owners took charge of the Second Division club.

A consortium gained control on Tuesday following the retirement of chairman Mike Watson-Challis, and Kinnear lasted just three days before leaving. A club statement on the Hatters' official website read: "Luton Town have confirmed that both Joe Kinnear and Mick Harford have left the club with immediate effect."

Kinnear became Luton's manager in February 2001 and, although he could not keep them in the Second Division, he oversaw their promotion from the Third Division the following season.

The former Wimbledon manager then took Luton to the edge of the Second Division play-off race this season, despite his newly-promoted side losing their first four games. The club expect to announce Kinnear's successor after a board meeting on Tuesday.

The Derby County chairman, Lionel Pickering, is set to make a decision on John Gregory's appeal against his dismissal next week. Gregory was sacked as manager two weeks ago after a seven-week club investigation into "serious allegations" made against him.

His appeal was heard at the city's Mickleover Court Hotel yesterday, with the club promising a quick decision. A club statement read: "Derby County Football Club has confirmed that chairman Lionel Pickering today heard John Gregory's appeal against his dismissal as manager. The chairman will be considering all the matters put to him over the coming days and the club will issue a statement as soon as possible."