LUTON manager Graeme Jones has left his role with the Championship club after his contract was terminated by mutual consent – owing to the coronavirus crisis.
Football’s finances have been rocked by the game’s shutdown amid the pandemic and relegation-threatened Luton stated on Friday that the move was to help “reduce costs”.
Former Everton and Belgium assistant Jones, 50, joined Luton in May of last yearCredit: PA:Press Association
The Hatters sat 23rd in the table when play was stopped with nine games left to play, six points off safety and possessing by far the division’s worst goal difference.
Jones’ exit, less than 12 months into a three-year deal he signed in May 2019, is the first coronavirus-related contract termination in the upper echelons of the English game with three members of his backroom staff also leaving.
A Luton statement read: “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.
“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 twelve months. We wish him and his family well during these difficult times for everyone, and in his future career.
“Assistant manager Gary Brabin, first-team coach Inigo Idiakez and technical goalkeeping coach Imanol Etxeberria have also had their contracts terminated with immediate effect.
“We would like to thank all three for their service to the club and wish them all well for the future.
“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.
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“Meanwhile, applications for any of the positions will not be considered or reviewed at this time.”
Despite being mired in relegation trouble, the side which experienced consecutive promotions to reach the Championship were on a reasonable run of form before the shutdown.
Wins over Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough and Brentford contributed to a streak of just one defeat in six as Luton lifted themselves off the bottom of the table.
Mick Harford has been installed as caretaker manager, having overseen the final weeks of the club’s League One title win last season after ex-boss Nathan Jones left for Stoke.
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Premier League and EFL chiefs meet to discuss coronavirus crisis and admit ‘difficult decisions’ will have to be made
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
