Awford not ruling out a return to management

The former Portsmouth player was in charge at Fratton Park last season, but was relieved of his duties in April, with the club sitting in 14th place.

For now however, the chance to work for Hatters chief John Still was something he couldn’t turn down.

Awford said: “I’d never say never no to management, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

“I’m 43 in a couple of weeks, not 73, so who knows what’s round the corner, but at the moment, I’m not looking too far ahead.

“I wanted to stay in football and it’s difficult as there’s not enough jobs for the people out there as there’s some good people out of work.

“To me personally he (Still) was a big help last season, he was very good, he always had time for me, so the opportunity to work for him appealed and I’m really excited.”

The chance to get back out on the training field, plus heading up the academy, was hugely appealing for Awford too as he added: “I’ll oversee the whole academy, but at the same time the gaffer wants me to spend some time on the training pitch with the younger players.

“That’s important to me, I wanted to coach and be out on the green grass, so the opportunity to do that full time was a big appeal.”