Luton legend Mick Harford has turned down a job offer from Newcastle to stay at Millwall as a coach.
Magpies’ director of football Joe Kinnear had wanted to renew his long-standing football association with the 54-year-old, with the pair having enjoyed great success during their time at Kenilworth Road.
Harford said: “After meeting with Mike Ashley and Joe Kinnear, I made the hard decision that it is not the right time for me to take up this role.
“It was an honour to be asked to work at a fantastic club and I have the utmost respect for the Newcastle United and its fans.
“I’ve been in talks with Millwall over a period of time and just felt it better suited me at the moment. I didn’t feel that at Newcastle.”
Millwall boss Steve Lomas is glad Harford’s staying put, adding: “I know there was speculation about Mick going to Newcastle because of his past connections with Joe Kinnear, but he’s fully committed to Millwall and to doing a job for us here.”