Academy graduate Kevin Foley re-joins the Hatters as Transitional Coach
Rob Edwards has strengthened his backroom staff ahead of the Premier League season with the appointment of former Hatters academy graduate Kevin Foley.
Luton-born Foley returns to Kenilworth Road as Transitional Coach, working closely with young players progressing through the professional development stage of the Academy and into the first team.
Having hung up his boots as a player in 2018, the 38-year-old began to focus on his coaching career, firstly with Tampa Bay Rowdies and then at Forest Green with Edwards in January 2022, helping Rovers to the League Two title.
Foley, who last season spent time with National League North side Brackley, said: “I’m delighted to be back. I was team-mates with Rob many years ago at Wolves, then had the pleasure of working with him briefly at Forest Green the season before last for a few months. It was great to see him at work and amazing to see what he’s done since then.
“I’m really looking forward to working with him again, and having such a history with Luton Town Football Club, growing up through the system, it’s a bit of a dream to be able to come and work here now as a coach, and try and help the next generation come through.”
Edwards added: “I first met Kev when he left Luton and he took my place in the team – because he was better than me – and I’ve not forgiven him! He was brilliant for Wolves and we’ve kept in touch since.
“He came into help us at Forest Green and did some work with us there for half a season or so, after he’d come back from America, and he’s a really hard worker.
“Everyone knows he came through at this football club, he’s a Luton boy, loves the club, so it’s brilliant to be able to bring him home.
“Kev is going to be able to help transition young players into the first team, because we have really high hopes of some of our academy players.
“We have some brilliant mentors and coaches already in the academy, all the lads who played for the club and who know what it takes and what it means to play for this club.
“They are doing fantastic work and the opportunity to bring Kev in adds experience, expertise and a really good person into our professional phase.”
Foley’s arrival back at Kenilworth Road comes 20 years after his league debut for the club, made in a 2-2 draw with Bristol City in 2003. The dependable right-back went on to be a regular in the Town defence and appeared 39 times as Mike Newell’s side lifted the League One title in 2004/05.
After 166 appearances and five goals in Luton colours, Foley landed a big money move to Wolves in 2007, where he would earn eight caps at senior level for the Republic of Ireland. After spells in Denmark and back in England with Ipswich, Charlton and Coventry he then played briefly in non-league for Billericay before switching focus to coaching.
Welcome back to Kenilworth Road, Kev!
