Sajjad and Socik to lead Luton’s revamped recruitment team

The changes come after Chief Scout Phil Chapple left to become Head of Recruitment at Charlton, with Chief Recruitment Officer Mick Harford stepping back to a more advisory role.

Player Recruitment Manager Sajjad (pictured) joined the Hatters in September 2024 from Dutch side Den Bosch, where he was Technical Director. He had previously been Emerging Talent Scout at Arsenal and Lead Recruitment Analyst at Chelsea.

Socik, who originally made his name running the popular Blades Analytic Twitter account, has been Head of Recruitment Analysis at Luton since February 2021.

Meanwhile, Marc Tracy has returned for a second stint at the club as Chief Scout. Tracy was Head of Academy Operations at the club for a six-month spell in 2014 and went on to become Head of Recruitment at Cambridge United and Head of Scouting at Lincoln City.

After nine-and-a-half years as Chief Recruitment Officer, club legend Harford will “take a small step back from his position” to take on a dual club ambassadorial and senior scouting role.

Luton said the changes were “designed to strengthen the club’s data-informed approach to identifying talent.”

Chief executive Gary Sweet said: “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.”

TGG Members: Luton Town staff profiles