Forbes, who scored 20 times in 79 appearances as a player in Hatters colours between 2001 and 2004, rejoined our Academy in 2019 originally as head of academy coaching.

Following the departure of Graeme Jones, Forbes earned a call-up to assist in first team matters alongside Nathan Jones as we escaped relegation from the Championship in the summer of 2020.

Following the formation of the development squad, Forbes was appointed as lead coach, overseeing the development of players between the ages of 18 and 21. This season saw the 45-year-old oversee the Town’s first campaign in the Premier League Cup.

Forbes told lutontown.co.uk: “It’s a bitter-sweet situation for me. It’s been an amazing five years which have given me so much.

“It was certainly a whirlwind, from helping Nathan and the team achieve Championship survival to playing a part in the development of so many young players in the under-21s group and leading them in the Premier League Cup.

“It was a really tough decision to move away – one that was too good to turn down – but I leave with an under-21 set-up that I believe can blossom and I would like to thank Gary Sweet, Andy Awford, Paul Benson and every player and member of staff that I have worked with along the way.”

Academy manager Paul Benson added: “Forbesy has been an integral part of the Academy since arriving five years ago.

“Initially starting as head of coaching, he moved on to lead our Under-21 group, which he has evolved fantastically over the last four years.

“The New Zealand All Blacks have a saying about seeking to leave the jersey in a better place, and Forbesy has certainly left the Under-21 group in a better place, and all of us at the Academy want to thank him for that and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”