WEST HAM coaching legend Tony Carr has been replaced as the club’s academy chief after 40 years of service.

Carr, from Stock Road, Billericay, is regarded as one of the country’s most successful ever football coaches, and has been working with young players at Chadwell Health since 1973, bringing through famed stars such as Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry.

However, this is the not the end of the road for Carr at Upton Park, as he has been offered an ambassadorial position.

Carr, 63, told West Ham’s official website: “I'm really looking forward to the challenge an ambassadorial role will bring. It will be a slight change in direction for me, but it will allow me to continue to do all I can to assist with the development of the next generation of young players.

Former Birmingham City academy director Terry Westley has taken over Carr’s position.