Hatters appoint Nugent as first team coach

The 46-year-old left Brisbane Road last week, where he had been number two and becomes new Luton boss Nathan Jones’ first addition to his backroom staff.

A striker in his playing days, Nugent scoring 143 goals in a career spanning 20 years with spells at Orient, Plymouth, Bristol City, Cardiff, and Swansea.

He started his coaching career as assistant to Kenny Jackett at Swansea and briefly took over as caretaker boss in February 2007, helping the Swans to promotion from League One.

Nugent returned to Orient in 2007 and had remained at Brisbane Road since, as the O’s reached the League One play-off final in 2013-14.

Speaking about the appointment, Jones told the club’s official website: “Kevin is a good coach who knows the level. He’s somebody I have been very keen to get on board and add to the staff here.

“He’s a great character and wants to get better. He has a good reputation in the game and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Nugent admitted he couldn’t wait to get started in his new role, adding: “There’s a very good squad of players here which I’m really looking forward to working with day in, day out.

“The quality is certainly there. The challenge is to now to get that out of the players on a consistent basis.

“There’s a good spirit among the group, which is often half of the battle, so I’m confident that we can have a positive effect.

“Luton is a great club and Nathan is a young, hungry manager. We share a similar football philosophy and I’m flattered that Nathan wanted me here.”

As a result of Nugent’s appointment, Andy Awford has reverted to his full-time role of academy and development manager but will continue to assist the first team.