Ex Millwall boss Neil Harris competing with former Leicester City and Norwich City men for Championship return

Former Millwall head coach Neil Harris has emerged as a contender for the newly vacated manager role at Championship club Luton Town following the departure of Rob Edwards this week.

The Hatters are seeing a change in leadership after a tricky return to the second tier, sitting 20th in the table following a 2-1 defeat to QPR at Loftus Road on Monday night. The outfit agreed a mutual termination of Edwards' deal and are now recruiting a new manager.

A club statement on Thursday confirmed the departure of Edwards. It read: "Luton Town Football Club can confirm that Rob Edwards has left his role as manager by mutual agreement.

"The current campaign back in the Championship has clearly not progressed as anticipated, and after holding amicable talks following Monday’s defeat at QPR, the board and Rob have agreed to part with immediate effect.

"While the process to appoint a new manager is already underway, Paul Trollope and Richie Kyle, aided by Mick Harford, will take charge of the squad for Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie at Nottingham Forest."

Neil Harris linked with Championship return

Several familiar faces have been linked with the job at Kenilworth Road, including Harris. The 47-year-old left his post at The Den in an unexpected turn of events last month and has since been replaced by Alex Neil.

It was confirmed that Harris would leave the Lions days after the head coach had branded a section of supporters as 'thickos'. The former Cambridge United and Gillingham boss had overseen a respectable start to the season at The Den, with the side managing an impressive defensive record, but decided not to see the season out.

Speaking about his future plans to BBC Radio London, Harris said: "I'll have Christmas with the family and it's an opportunity to get out and see some friends in football and seeing training and matches at different levels. I'll be watching my local team Southend so just look forward to that period and then the future – who knows?"

Harris had been linked with an immediate return to management following the departure of Wayne Rooney from Plymouth Argyle over the New Year. The ex Millwall boss is now one of five names linked as the most likely to take over from Edwards at Luton Town.

Former Nottingham Forest and Leicester City manager Steve Cooper is a frontrunner, having been sacked by the Foxes on November 24. Wycombe Wanderers boss Matt Bloomfield is also linked as he side impresses in League One, while former Norwich City man David Wagner is also touted as an option.

Steven Schumacher could also get the job. The former Stoke City manager was sacked in September after just two wins from the first five league fixtures.

Rob Edwards pens emotional Luton Town farewell

In an emotional statement shared via the Luton Town club website on Thursday, Edwards said: "It's been a privilege to manage Luton Town Football Club, but now is the right time for me to move on, for the club and me.

"I'm really proud of what we achieved, not only winning a play-off game which the club had struggled to do, but winning the final and gaining promotion to the Premier League at Wembley was the most amazing experience!

"I take with me some incredible memories, not just the victories against Watford or Sunderland in the semi-final, or Brighton, Newcastle, Palace or Everton. But the way we did it, how we played against Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Villa and Manchester United, we were brave and brilliant to watch, how the Kenny bounced and roared! That's what I'll remember.

"It wasn't always easy, we lived through the most difficult times. What happened at Bournemouth last December will always remain with me. How the medical team reacted along with the paramedics to save Tom was remarkable. Truly heroic, and once again I want to thank them. The most important thing is that Tom Lockyer is with us and has a great chance to play again. I love you mate!

"To the players, I say thank you. Thanks for always giving your best, thanks for keeping it fun and to those that were there, thanks for delivering in the biggest moment of our lives!"