We can confirm that Andy Awford has left his role as Academy & Development manager after almost seven years at Luton Town.
The 49-year-old joined the Hatters in July 2015 to lead the youth set-up alongside coach Paul Driver, and that season, a squad featuring a certain James Justin went on to win the EFL Youth Alliance South-East Division and national League Cup double, as well as reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup.
With the youth section having moved with the first team from Ely Way to the new training ground at The Brache, the Under-18s repeated their cup success in 2017-18 with a 3-1 win over Wigan at Kenilworth Road.
They have a chance to secure a hat-trick of EFL Youth Alliance Cup successes from Andy’s time at the Club when they host Preston North End in this season’s final at the Kenny on Tuesday 3rd May.
Andy, who had managed Portsmouth – his former club as a player – immediately prior to moving to Bedfordshire, also took caretaker charge of the first team for a four-game spell midway through his first season, between John Still’s departure and the arrival of Nathan Jones, recording a 3-2 win at Exeter in his opening match in League Two.
He leaves with the best wishes of all at the Club for his work in helping establish the Academy as one of the best in the country at Category 3, while also overseeing the establishment of the Under-21 development squad with Adrian Forbes over recent seasons in preparation for the step up to Category 2.
On his departure, Town chief executive Gary Sweet said: "Andy’s contribution to the Academy over the last seven years has been superb. His enthusiasm and professionalism has been consistent from day one to today and, on behalf of the board and everyone at Luton Town, he departs with our very best wishes and gratitude."
Andy added: “It has been a thoroughly enjoyable seven seasons and I am very grateful to everyone involved at the club for the support I have received since day one.
“The club is on a fantastic journey, and it has been an absolute privilege to have been a small cog in the successful 'Hatters Wheel'.
“I leave with the Academy in a good place, with a staff that care passionately, and who will continue to try and nurture the next James Justin out of the ranks and into the first team.
“Good luck to everyone for the rest of what we all hope will be another memorable end to the season, both at youth level and senior, for this brilliant club.”