Luton Town: Nathan Jones 'equipped' for management chance

Nathan Jones was first-team coach at Brighton before becoming Luton manager

New Luton Town boss Nathan Jones says he feels "equipped" for management after nearly seven years coaching.

The 42-year-old has held backroom roles at Yeovil, Charlton and Brighton.

"All the duties of a manager somewhere along the line I've done, it's just now it all comes together as one.

"It's at a fantastic club that wants to move forward. The pressure's going to be more, but I'm ready for that pressure, I want that pressure, that's why I've taken the step," said Jones.

Welshman Jones replaced John Still at Kenilworth Road on Wednesday, having been assistant manager at Yeovil, Under-21 boss at Charlton and most recently first-team coach with the Seagulls.

The former Brighton, Scarborough and Southend player told BBC Three Counties Radio: "I had a stint as a caretaker manager of a Championship club with Brighton through difficult times, that taught me a lot.

"The way I immerse myself in clubs and the pressure, isn't much different to what I do when I'm a coach; I still want that win, it still hurts me when we don't play well or we don't win.

Sami Hyypia (right) was one of three bosses Jones worked under at Brighton

"I've been used to doing press, I did it for almost a full year under Oscar Garcia who wasn't fluent in English, and we alternated it at Yeovil with Terry (Skiverton).

"When I was at Charlton, the decision-making, the process, I set an environment there where I wanted to test myself. I wanted to win the league, I wanted the team to develop, to move forward, to flourish."

Jones, who signed professional terms with the Hatters as a player in 1995, said he now felt "ready" for management.

"It's just getting the opportunity - it wasn't the first opportunity but I feel it's the right one," he added.

"As soon as I spoke to (chief executive) Gary (Sweet) and to the people here I had a real affinity with what they are trying to achieve, it runs parallel what I want to do.

"I'm very proud to be given the opportunity by Luton. Now I have to repay that faith in the work that I do."