MORTON’S community trust boss has been headhunted by Hibernian FC, it was announced today.

Tom Elliott arrived at Cappielow 16 months ago after a successful spell doing the same job at Falkirk, and has now been poached by Hibs for their trust.

The community engagement manager said his main job at Cappielow had been to set up a participation programme for boys and girls, and he had been supported all the way by the club and its management.

His departure was described as ‘disappointing’ by club development consultant, Warren Hawke, but he said the move also reflected well on Morton.

Hawke said: “It is a huge compliment that a club of Hibs’ size would be monitoring the excellent work we are achieving at Morton and seeking our staff.

“We have dealt with the transition correctly and we are appointing his replacement from within the Trust — excellent local coach Brian McLaughlin.

“Tom is leaving us in October with an established template programme in place which Brian will now continue to deliver and expand on.” Tom, 48, from Glasgow, said he would be sad to leave, but is looking forward to a new challenge.

He said: “We have established summer camps here as well as a pathway for community teams. I’ve absolutely loved working at Morton and made some great friends.

“We have children from as young as two years old involved in our taster sessions. It’s all about encouraging children to take part in sport, irrespective of their ability, and to give advice to them and their parents about healthy lifestyles and nutrition.

“I know how powerful the link with a football club can be in getting these messages across.” Ton bosses have wished the outgoing trust boss well for the future.

Hawke said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for Tom.

“From a personal and professional perspective, everyone at the club and the Trust wishes him the very best in the future and thanks him for his time with us, where he has laid an excellent foundation for Brian to take forward and develop further.

“I would also like to congratulate Brian on being the unanimous decision internally on the person to fill Tom’s very large shoes.

“Brian only joined the trust a short while ago, however he has been an integral part of the youth academy for a number of years and has excelled in everything he has been involved with.

“I’m sure he will flourish in the role.” Brian, 28, from Greenock, has been Tom’s assistant for the last month and will also continue as head coach for the Ton under-12s.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to my new job.

“Tom has put a lot of foundations in place for us to build on with the Inverclyde community.”