Simon Milton has announced he is set to leave Town after 30 years, first as a player and then as part of the backroom staff, most recently working as the club’s director of academy sales.

The 53-year-old, who joined the Blues from Bury Town in 1987 for a fee of £5,000, revealed his exit in the latest academy newsletter: “I have decided that the time is right for me to leave my position as director of academy sales.

“This is not a decision I have taken lightly but one which I feel is right for me at this time.

“I will be very sad to leave the club after 30 years but will still attend home matches supporting the team and meeting up with you all in the new season.

“I am waiting for confirmation on how my existing role will be filled and I will let you know as soon as it has been agreed.”

Thanks to Managers, Teammates, Staff, Directors, Sponsors, Fans & Media for a brilliant 30yrs. #itfc #memories pic.twitter.com/8rkZVTUmkB– Simon Milton (@Milts25) June 8, 2017

Town MD Ian Milne said in a statement: "Simon Milton has decided to leave the club at the end of this month to take up a new challenge.

“He has been a fantastic and loyal servant to the club, firstly as a player for 11 years and then for another 19 years working on the commercial side.

“There is no doubt he will be missed and everyone at the club wishes him every success for the future.

“We do hope to see him back at Portman Road next season though, supporting Mick and the players.”

Milton made 258 starts and 72 sub appearances, scoring 56 goals, before retiring in 1998 following his testimonial season. He was a member of the 1991/92 Second Division championship-winning side.

While a Blues player the Fulham-born midfielder spent time on loan at Exeter and Torquay.

Milton, who also played locally in non-league for Thetford, the town in which he grew up, prior to his time with Bury, was inducted into the Town Hall of Fame in March 2016.

In February, he was made the guest of honour at the EFL Cup final by charity Prostate Cancer UK in recognition of the £250,000 he had helped to raise via their annual Amsterdam Cycle Challenge the previous three summers.

Photos: Action Images/TWTD

WestSussexBlue added 13:26 - Jun 7 Interesting.
3

howdonblue added 13:28 - Jun 7 Another link to our past gone ! Thanks milts for some great memories. 3-3 at Barnsley being 3-0 down with 10 minutes to go just but one
16

blueblood66 added 13:28 - Jun 7 Very disappointing news, another brick from the clubs past removed.
21

TractorCam added 13:30 - Jun 7 Sad to see him go, good luck Milts!
13

yungblue added 13:30 - Jun 7 More to it than just leaving, obviously something more to it.
13

ASAx added 13:34 - Jun 7 Milton only has himself to blame. There's no place in ITFC these days for professionalism or football knowledge, especially not both! He was playing a dangerous game being competent and therefore highlighting how out of their depth others around him though. Nice bloke, great player and sad to see one of the last few connections to 'our' ITFC depart. Best of luck Milts.
18

Alabaster_Codify added 13:40 - Jun 7 All the best Milts!
13

12th_Man added 13:42 - Jun 7 Not fussed bye bye milts
-44

bigautographs added 13:44 - Jun 7 fools like 12th_Man are town fans we dont need
21

MickMillsTash added 13:45 - Jun 7 Only Goal in extra time vs Norwich in the simod cup on my birthday - top man
12

12th_Man added 13:47 - Jun 7 Just didn't like him bigautographes seemed to think he was above everyone
-18

Smithy added 13:47 - Jun 7 That deft chip vs Birmingham
2

brian_a_mul added 13:48 - Jun 7 Great service and will always be well remembered. Best of luck Milts As he said himself, it was time for something new, it sounds like he will have a say on who replaces him. PS: he wasn't removed
2

whosroundisitanyway added 13:53 - Jun 7 Probably can't bear to watch the club he loves fall apart around him.
10

trncbluearmy added 13:58 - Jun 7 That`s a real shame and probably tells us a lot about where the hated Marcus Evans FC is now
5

cranky_old_tractor added 14:06 - Jun 7 What is going on? Good luck Milts. Any news on MM and ME leaving?
5

mutters added 14:08 - Jun 7 A real servant, shame but lets see what he does next. He might have an amazing once in a lifetime offer that he could not turn down. No need to slate the club at this point in time. Everybody is just guessing why he is leaving.
4

Surco72 added 14:08 - Jun 7 Good Luck in whatever you do Milts The worst comment from the article is “We do hope to see him back at Portman Road next season though, supporting Mick and the players.” Harlequins season ticket purchased if mighty MM Is going to be here
5

Ferguson added 14:10 - Jun 7 To be replaced, no doubt, by a suit from Rio . ALL THE BEST FOR THE FUTURE SM
5

BobbyBell added 14:12 - Jun 7 This is a massive loss to the club. I'm sure there is more to this, he loves this club. What's behind it?
6

ArnieM added 14:22 - Jun 7 #MarcusEvansOUT
7

Kirtonspanner added 14:36 - Jun 7 Playford Road will soon be up for sale!!!
2

johnno added 14:47 - Jun 7 Thanks Simon ,however having watched ITFC for 50 years plus I must say Simon was an average player in his time but would be good in this present side
3

BlueandTruesince82 added 14:50 - Jun 7 Maybe after 30 years he fancied a change? Wish him well, move on, non Story
1

Michael11 added 14:55 - Jun 7 Wow, what a shame. 30 years of brilliant service for the club and community. Good luck in whatever you decide to do next!
3

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