LIVERPUDLIAN Phil Cannon is quitting the County Ground after being head-hunted by Everton.
Town's youth development officer has clinched a place in the Premiership with Walter Smith's Goodison Park outfit. Cannon leaves Town at the end of this month to take up a new post as head of recruitment with the Toffees.
However, the decision was not an easy one for Cannon, who admits he had tears in his eyes when he penned a letter to all Town's current youngsters explaining his decision.
The bubbly Scouser has been responsible for bringing through Town's next generation of stars for the last five years. Sol Davis, Steve Mildenhall, James Williams, Alan Young, Chris Collins and Kevin Halliday are just a handful of the players he has nurtured saving the club a fortune in the process.
He said: "I was delighted when Everton approached me. It's a fantastic opportunity and one I couldn't turn down.
"But saying goodbye to everyone here will not be easy. It's been a terrific five years and so much has changed in that time.
"I've written a letter to all the boys on our books and I don't mind admitting that I felt very emotional doing it.
"The gaffer didn't want me to go but accepted my decision and wished me all the best."
Cannon has worked very closely with youth team coach Viv Busby and Soccer Centres co-ordinator Jimmy Fraser.
Busby said: "Phil has done a great job for this football club. He is going to be very difficult to replace.
"People like Paul McAreavey, Chrissy Collins and Kevin Halliday are current examples of success, but there are plenty of others in the past and the current squad of youngsters, at a variety of age levels, bodes well for the future. Phil is a lively, bubbly character and inspires the kids he comes into contact with."
Town reserves fought back from a two goal deficit to grab a 2-2 draw at Cambridge United yesterday.
Goals from Adam Collier (57) and a deflected shot from Paul McAreavey (85) secured a point. It could have been even better but Bertie Brayley failed to tuck away a second half penalty.
Town: Richard McKinney, Chris Collins, Mark Robinson, Kevin Halliday (Bryan Smith), Nathan Edwards, David Duke, Steve Robinson, Alan McLoughlin, Paul McAreavey, Adam Collier (Graham Walton), Bertie Brayley.
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