AXED Hartlepool United boss Mike Newell could be in line for a quick return to management.

Second Division Luton Town have his name on a shortlist drawn up to find a replacement for the departed Joe Kinnear.

Newell was told 11 days ago that his contract at Victoria Park would not be renewed and chairman Ken Hodcroft will this week step up his search for a replacement.

But Newell could be back in the game thanks to a unique process of finding a new boss set up by the Luton hierarchy.

Owners asked for nominations - Newell's is listed as the first name on the club website - and eight names will be forwarded for voting.

The three with the most votes are then shortlisted for interview.

The club still hopes that Joe Kinnear will return to the post he recently left, but Newell's name could carry weight among voters - he is a former Luton striker and has a promotion with Pool on his CV.

The other nominations include Terry Fenwick, Iain Dowie, former Middlesbrough boss Bruce Rioch, Nigel Clough, Jan Molby, Brian Stein, Paul Parker and John Hollins.

* Liverpool started their summer spending spree yesterday by confirming the £3.5m signing of Irish full-back Steve Finnan.

The 27-year-old has been a long-term target for Gerard Houllier and will become a Liverpool player at the end of this month.

Finnan's arrival from Fulham is the first stage of Houllier's rebuilding plans after Liverpool's failure to clinch a place in the Champions League.

Anfield chief executive Rick Parry said: ''We have agreed terms with both the club and the player and plan to complete the transfer at the end of this month.

''Steve is a very talented player who we were eager to bring to Anfield.

''We are pleased he has agreed to join us and look forward to seeing him in action next season.

''As an attacking full-back he offers something we have been looking for in the squad."