After Stoke City confirmed the appointment of Nathan Jones, Sky Bet League One promotion hopefuls Luton Town are now searching for a new manager.

The Welshman left his post at Kenilworth Road after three years with the club, taking the Hatters up from League Two and guiding them to second position in the League One table, after a magnificent season thus far.

It's a monumental blow for Luton, and it's come at the completely wrong time for the Hatters, who face promotion rivals Sunderland on Saturday afternoon at the Stadium of Light - the Black Cats sit one point behind Town with a game in hand.

Here, we discuss who should be the man to replace Jones at Luton...

George Harbey

"Let's get one thing straight - whoever succeeds Nathan Jones at Kenilworth Road has huge shoes to fill.

"He has been an overwhelming success at the Bedfordshire club, and has emerged as a real fans' favourite after taking them up to League One, playing some magnificent football in the process.

"To continue that attractive brand of football, Michael Appleton would be the perfect appointment for Luton. He was excellent at the helm of Oxford United and should be at the top of their list."

Chris Gallagher

"I'd go for Michael Appleton.

"He did a fine job with Oxford and plays a similar style of attacking football that Jones did.

"Clearly, major changes aren't needed at Kenilworth Road, they need someone to come in and keep things moving and Appleton seems like the right fit."

Gary Hutchinson

"Luton will have to be very careful with the next appointment, but I believe whoever goes in there is on a hiding to nothing - how can they better what Jones has achieved?

"If they try to put their own stamp on it, they break the spell. If they try to carry his work on, they’ll be accused of coasting.

"I’d like to see John Coleman given a chance but I fear he’s perhaps too old now."

Jacob Potter

"Paul Hurst has got to be a leading candidate.

"The former Shrewsbury and Ipswich boss is proven in League One and could be the perfect replacement for Nathan Jones.

"It's likely Hurst will want to get back into management at the earliest of opportunities to reignite his career, which somewhat stalled at Ipswich earlier this season."

Jay Taylor

"There isn't one outstanding candidate in my eyes.

"Michael Appleton is the bookmakers favourite at the moment, but that is such a volatile market that it could change within a few hours.

"It would be ironic if Gary Rowett ended up at Luton, but I can't see that happening - I think someone like Darren Ferguson or the Cowley brothers would do well at Luton.

"For whomever it may be, the club are in a good position, and it will be an attractive post for any manager to take up."