Ex-Hatters duo take their first steps into management at Stags and City

Former Luton duo Scott Rendell and Robbie Willmott have taken their first steps into management at AFC Totton and Newport City respectively.

Rendell, 39, who played 46 times for the Hatters between 2012-14 after joined on a free transfer, scored 12 goals, including the winner in the famous 1-0 victory at then Premier League side Norwich City in the FA Cup back in January 2013. He departed Kenilworth Road the following summer and had spells at Woking, Aldershot Town, Eastleigh, Maidstone United and Havant & Waterlooville, before heading to AFC Totton in July 2022.

The former Cambridge United forward went to play 186 times for the club, scoring 97 goals in all competitions, taking interim charge alongside director of football Dave Wright last month, overseeing eight National League South matches, winning four, drawing one and losing three. Having been given the top job now, Rendell told the club’s official website: “The groundwork has been put in place over the last eight or nine games. Now it’s about looking forward to next season with a big, positive group and continuing to progress.”

Wright himself stated: “Scott has been a pleasure to work with during his time in the interim role. From the moment he stepped in, he demonstrated strong leadership, clear communication and a real understanding of what it takes to drive standards both on and off the pitch. He has brought a calm authority, a clear identity to the team, and most importantly, the respect of the players and staff. What has stood out is his ability to connect people, create a positive environment and maintain a relentless focus on improving performance. Those qualities, alongside his knowledge of the game, made him a natural fit for the role on a permanent basis.

Chairman Kevin Hebenton added: “The decision to offer Scott the role was unanimous, reflecting the board’s complete confidence in his ability to lead the team forward. While it’s fair to say he impressed throughout the process, the truth is the club was fully committed to securing his appointment. Since joining AFC Totton as a player four years ago, Scott has exemplified professionalism in every sense.

"A natural leader and a true servant to the club, his contribution on the pitch has been outstanding. To our supporters, I have no doubt you will continue to stand firmly behind Scott and the team as we look ahead to next season and work to establish ourselves in the National League South. We look forward with great enthusiasm to working alongside him and his management team in the season ahead.”

Meanwhile, winger Willmott has been appointed as manager of Newport City, who ply their trade in the JD Cymru South, the second tier of Welsh football, having hung his boots up.

The 35-year-old had started at Cambridge United, moving to Luton for a fee of £50,000 in January 2011, making 67 appearances and scoring 15 goals for the Hatters, before returning to the U’s 18 months later, and going to play for Newport County, Ebbsfleet United, Chelmsford City, Exeter City, Walsall, Woking and Weston-super-Mare, before joining Barry Town United in 2024.

Willmott turned out 74 times for the Jenner Park club, with four goals and 24 assists, captaining the side to the Nathaniel MC Cup success, played his final match in the Linnets’ defeat to Haverfordwest County in the JD Cymru Premier European play-offs earlier this month. He now takes charge of a City side who saw long-serving boss Sam Houldsworth step down from the role to become director of football recently, as a club statement on the Barry Town website said: “It’s been a pleasure to have Robbie and his family at our club, and we wish him all the best in his new role. You will always be welcome at Jenner Park.”