Luton Town have confirmed a major restructure of their recruitment department ahead of the 2025/26 League One campaign, with fresh faces joining the Hatters and a club legend taking on a new role ahead of what the club has called “an exciting transfer window”.
Luton’s long-serving Chief Recruitment Officer Mick Harford will take a step back from his day-to-day duties after nine-and-a-half years of service in the role. The club legend, who has played, managed and coached the Hatters, will remain an integral part of operations, moving into a dual club ambassador and senior scouting role.
The revamped recruitment structure will see Yousuf Sajjad (Player Recruitment Manager) and Jay Socik (Head of Recruitment Analysis) lead the department, supported by the return of experienced scout Marc Tracy, who re-joins the Hatters as Chief Scout.
Tracy previously served as head of academy operations during the club’s non-league days. Since then, he has built a strong reputation across the Football League, spending over a decade at Cambridge United and most recently at Lincoln City, where he was instrumental in their 2018/19 League Two title-winning season.
In his time at Sincil Bank, Tracy helped identify the talent that saw the Imps win promotion before helping them establish themselves in League One over the following six years.
He now rejoins Luton alongside club scout Alexander Wilkinson and an expanded scouting network that the club says has been “strengthened, reviewed and refreshed” ahead of the upcoming season.
In a statement, the club said the changes “are designed to strengthen the club’s data-informed approach to identifying talent that aligns with our playing philosophy, long-term goals, and club culture.”
Chief executive Gary Sweet told the club’s website: “We’re excited to announce this new development in our recruitment structure and believe we have a team that combines intricate knowledge with a sharp eye for emerging talent.
“Yousuf, Jay, Marc and Mick all bring their unique skill sets to the table, and together they will help us identify the kind of players who fit not just our footballing philosophy but also our values as a club. Both Jay and Yousuf have demonstrated their value over recent months, as they have spearheaded our recruitment since January, and they deserve the opportunity to lead in our squad restructure.
“We’re delighted to welcome Marc back to Kenilworth Road. Not only is he a very well-respected scout with an extensive knowledge, he’s also Luton, he understands our culture and, importantly, knows the type of player who will fit in and be a success.
“Finally, while Mick’s stepping back slightly from his day-to-day role, his continued involvement ensures we retain everything that is quintessentially Mick – drawing on his vast experience of what makes a player as well as his love and dedication to Luton Town.”
The club added that: “Hatters fans will hear more from the recruitment team over the coming weeks as we enter an exciting transfer window.”
