Luton Town sack Jones and trio of assistants
Written by Simon Austin — April 25, 2020
LUTON TOWN have sacked Head Coach Graeme Jones and three of his assistants in “an early move to restructure” because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Assistant manager Gary Brabin, first-team coach Inigo Idiakez and technical goalkeeping coach Imanol Etxeberria have also had their contracts terminated with immediate effect.
Jones was appointed on May 7th 2019 following Luton’s promotion from League One to the Championship. The man who had taken them up, Mick Harford, has now been appointed as a “relationship manager” between the board, staff and the playing squad, while continuing in his role of recruitment officer.
The Hatters are currently 23rd in the Championship, six points adrift of safety.
“Given the current circumstances affecting not only football but the world as whole, the club are taking an early move to restructure in order to reduce its cost base and to create efficiencies within the football department,” Luton said in a statement.
“As a result of amicable discussions, Graeme and the board of directors have agreed terms upon which he will leave his role with immediate effect.
“The board would like to place on record their thanks to Graeme for his efforts over the last 12 months. We wish him and his family well during these difficult times for everyone, and in his future career.
“When we have more concrete knowledge about the recommencement of the 2019/20 season or the start of 2020/21, we will then reconsider our position with regards to the football management structure.
“Meanwhile, applications for any of the positions will not be considered or reviewed at this time. In the interim period, chief recruitment officer Mick Harford will act as a relationship manager between the board, staff and the playing squad on football matters.”
Ryland Morgans, who had been appointed Technical Coach by Luton in September 2019, left the role after a few months.