McSheffrey hails Hatters
13 Oct 2006 - 13:28:00
Striker Gary McSheffrey has heaped praise on Luton boss Mike Newell and says he saved his career by taking him to Kenilworth Road on loan three years ago.
McSheffrey will line up against the Hatters on Saturday following a £4million move from Coventry to Birmingham City in mid-August and he is quick to highlight the impact Newell has had on getting his career back on track.
He told the Birmingham Mail: "I wasn't getting a game, I was surplus to requirements and Mike Newell came in for me and took me to Luton on loan.
"It was great, I played 19 games and got nine goals, the manager was superb - it was a real turning point for me.
"I played alongside Steve Howard, who is now at Derby, and we got a good partnership going.
"When I went there, I was effectively a free transfer. After the loan spell, suddenly Coventry wanted a fee of £250,000 for me.
"Luton were in administration and couldn't pay. Had it been different, I probably would have joined them."