Newell wants to emulate QPR

Mike Newell is confident Luton can emulate QPR and establish themselves in the Championship next year.

The League One champions will return to the second tier of English football next season after a nine-year absence.

QPR finished 11th in the Championship after last year's promotion and boss Newell told BBC Sport: "They have stayed up comfortably and competed.

"They were knocking on the door of the play-offs at one stage and that's something we should be aiming for."

He added: "We weren't too far away from QPR when they went up and, with the players we've got, I believe we might be able to do a similar thing this year."

Newell's young team, who were not among the sides fancied for promotion at the start of the season, won plenty of plaudits for their attacking style.

And the manager believes he will not have to tinker too much with that winning formula.

"I've got a busy couple of weeks coming up. A few players will be leaving and I will be trying to add some as well," he explained.


I wouldn't be surprised if we find it difficult to hold on to them next season

Mike Newell on Kevin Foley and Curtis Davies

"But you have to be fair to the lads who performed well this season and give them a chance to see if they can cut it at the next level.

"It's a question of tweaking it, adding one or two players, and seeing how we get on with that."

Success in the lower divisions usually leads to an increased number of visits from Premiership scouts, and Kenilworth Road has been no exception in the last few months.

Kevin Foley and Curtis Davies, both of whom came up through the youth ranks, have received rave reviews for their defensive displays.

"There has been a lot of interest in those two, but no concrete offers," Newell added.

"That's interest I would expect because they have performed week in, week out and are only 20.

"People will want to look at them at the next level and see how they get on there.

"And I wouldn't be surprised if we find it difficult to hold on to them next season."