Football is a fickle world, there can be no doubt about that. Yesterday’s hero is tomorrow’s villain and with Nathan Jones now in charge at Championship Stoke City, the question of who should replace him is already in full swing.

This is where I would like to offer an opinion, for what it’s worth. The way Nathan Jones revitalised Luton Town is very similar in its nature to how Michael Appleton turned Oxford United into an upwardly mobile club once more.

Many names will likely to be thrown about in the coming days but if I was a Luton fan I would be making sure my focus is on one only. The former Oxford, Blackpool, Blackburn and Portsmouth boss has earnt his management stripes the hard way.

He came into a Portsmouth side that were not just in full decline on the pitch but also off it and then to take on positions at Blackburn and Blackpool suggest his early judgement lacked a certain amount of clarity. Yet I would be very surprised if he regretted any of those roles he elected to take as they probably taught him far more than he would have learnt at a more stable outfit.

Michael Appleton, John Askey, Darren Ferguson & Paul Hurst have emerged as some of the early favourites to replace Nathan Jones at Luton Town. Check out the full odds here —> https://t.co/DuZMtoeZ6x#LTFC pic.twitter.com/osxbLmjowE — The Sack Race (@thesackrace) January 9, 2019

When he arrived at Oxford the reaction to his appointment was extremely understated with many judging him, and rightly so, on his record at his previous clubs.

Little did Oxford fans realise what a journey he was about to take them on. In the next three seasons Oxford reached Wembley twice, were promoted back to the third tier for the first time in 16 years, went on some magical cup runs and almost made the play-offs in League One.

During his time he made several very impressive signings that would go onto to be sold for large profits all while playing an easy on the eye, attacking brand of football. I would argue that he is the best or at least most enjoyable manager I have watched during my 26 years as a supporter.

Michael Appleton would be the perfect replacement for Nathan Jones. Not only do they share a similar footballing philosophy but also an attention to detail and stringent player recruitment process that should see #LTFC continue to thrive. — D3D4Football (@d3d4football) January 9, 2019

His attention to detail is very similar to that of Nathan Jones. When at Oxford the club never took risks on recruitment and although it would probably be overstating things to say he never got a signing wrong, it is hard to recall the bad ones as there were so many that worked out brilliantly.

Players like Kemar Roofe, Marvin Johnson, John Lundstram and Ryan Ledson were all Appleton signings and they are now, to a man, playing in a higher division and brought Oxford a pretty profit by doing so.

BREAKING: Ryan Ledson makes move from Oxford Utd to Preston North End for undisclosed fee. 20 year old midfielder has agreed a a 3 year deal. He said: “I always saw Oxford as a great opportunity. My time there was brilliant”. #oufc #pnefc pic.twitter.com/55D0G4U9QQ — BBC Oxford Sport (@bbcoxfordsport) May 17, 2018

Luton Town should be doing everything they can to bring him to the club and as quickly as possible. Of course there will be the usual process of going through the motions but I honestly can’t see a candidate out there who would be better placed to continue the excellent job Nathan Jones started.

words James Richards, D3D4 Football