Academy coach takes on No.2 role at Oxford City
All at Kenilworth Road would like to wish academy coach Joe Deeney the best of luck in his new role as assistant-manager of National League South club Oxford City.
The former centre-half, who turns 33 in March, has been with the Hatters for 24 years as a schoolboy player, apprentice, professional and youth coach – most recently as Youth Development Phase Coach for the Under-15s and 16s.
Academy & Development manager Andy Awford said: “Joe has been embroidered in the club having been here so long as a player and a coach. Nearly a quarter of a century at one club is some record.
“I know his decision was a very difficult one to make because of his ties with Luton Town, but he goes with our blessing.
“He’ll always be welcome here because he’s one of us, but I understand the lure of being involved in first-team football somewhere. On behalf of the club, I’d like to thank him for his years of service.”
Joe will be assistant to new Oxford manager Mark Jones, and he told lutontown.co.uk: “I’ve been at Luton since I was nine, so it’s been a real tough week coming to the decision to leave.
“I’ve had offers before but they’ve never felt right. This one really appeals though because I’ve known Mark a long time and he’s given me the chance to get involved at first team level.
“I’ll still be involved with Luton through the pre-academy and the college scheme at Cedars, but as much as I’d have loved to have combined it all with Oxford, National League South is demanding and I don’t want to work with watered-down quality in the academy.
“There are some real good people at Kenilworth Road and it’s been a massive part of my life, so I’m going to miss it. But if I don’t take the opportunity, I’ll never know what it’s like.”
Good luck Joe!