Luton boss Graeme Jones leaves the club by mutual consent

Luton Town have announced the shock news that they have mutually agreed to terminate the contract of Graeme Jones as first-team manager.

The 50-year-old only joined officially in the summer after leaving West Bromwich Albion as assistant boss last season.

Although the Hatters struggled for results early on, they appeared to have turned the corner before the campaign was postponed due to the coronavirus, winning three and losing two of their six matches.

However, with the season suspended indefinitely, and Town looking at ways of reducing their cost base, Jones has left the club, with a statement saying: "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."

It is not just Jones who has moved on either, with the statement continuing: "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.

"Meanwhile, applications for any of the positions will not be considered or reviewed at this time."

With Jones and his staff leaving, club legend Mick Harford will take charge once more, after he led the club to the League One title last term.

The statement added: "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.

"The club will be making no further comment at this stage as everyone continues to battle with the challenges of the coronavirus."