Mike Newell was today appointed manager of Luton Town after winning a poll of fans, players, shareholders and the club's board.
The former Hartlepool manager and ex-Luton striker agreed a two-year contract with the club after beating off competition from former boss Joe Kinnear and Steve Cotterill.
Kinnear, a former Republic of Ireland international, received a letter of dismissal from Luton last month following the takeover of the club by a mystery consortium.
Following Kinnear's departure, Luton offered fans the chance to vote for a new manager in a telephone poll.
Luton managing director John Gurney said: "The vote was much closer than we anticipated. I would now make an appeal for anyone connected the club to get behind the club".
