Still believes he could have turned it around with Luton

The 65-year-old was relieved of his duties by the board at Kenilworth Road after a 4-3 defeat to Northampton Town back in December, as Town’s fourth successive reverse saw them drop to 17th in the table.

But although Still accepted improvements were needed, he remained confident successful season was in his capabilities as speaking exclusively to the News/Gazette, he said: “I thought so, I know others might not have done, but I thought it needed tweaking, which we would have done.

“We were scoring plenty of goals, but we conceded, they’re not scoring as many goals here now, but it’s just my own personal belief, I would have found a way.

“The two full years here, promotion and eighth, I was delighted, I really was.

“It wasn’t going quite so well when I left, but that’s football, the club decided it was time for me to go on, that’s football as well.

“I don’t worry about that, it doesn’t concern me, because as I always say, I have a way of doing it, I’m not ever going to change, I don’t care what anyone says, I’m never going to change because I love the way I do it and I love doing it.

“It’s been successful so why would I change? But the club thought it was time to change, no problem with that.

“I’m not saying it’s right or it’s wrong, but I think that for my time here, two full seasons, first and eighth, I’m happy with that.”

Still was eventually replaced by Nathan Jones and on his appointment, the ex-boss said: “Good luck to Nathan, I like Nathan, he’s a good guy, a hard-working guy, conscientious guy.

“The demands of this football club are very high and I’m sure he’ll work as hard he can to bring success here and I’ll be looking forward to them doing that, I really will.”

Still made his first return to Kenilworth Road on Tuesday evening when he brought his Dagenham & Redbridge side back for a 1-0 defeat that all but confirmed their relegation to the Conference.

However, the boss was afford a superb reception by home supporters before, during and after the game, as he said: “It was really good, I’m really pleased and I know it sounds silly but I didn’t even give it a thought, I came here for the game, but it was very nice, really nice.

“I had nearly three years here, had a great time, and I hope whoever taken the reins now takes them on again.

“I loved it here, it’s a great club Luton.”

On the return of the former boss, current Town manager Jones said: “I know John well, he’s a lovely man and there’s no hard feelings,

“I spoke to John pretty much as soon as he got the job, he fully deserved the reception.

“Me and John had a cup of tea before the game, it’s good to speak to him, he’s a good man, did well for the club, and he’s done well for Dagenham.

“He’s a good football man, I always enjoy speaking to him, I’ve known John for years and wish him all the best.”

Meanwhile, striker Zane Banton, who made his Town debut under Still in the Conference, added: “John came up to me and said hello and I appreciate what he did for me as you’re never going to forget who hands you your first professional contract.”