Former West Ham United academy boss Tony Carr has left the club after more than four decades.

The 65-year-old has bene working for the Hammers in an ambassadorial role since he was replaced as academy boss by Terry Westley in 2014 but has now opted to part ways with the East London club.

Carr was at the helm of the Hammers academy when he discovered Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard and also oversaw the development of the likes of Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Jermain Defoe and Glen Johnson.

After 43 years, Carr leaves West Ham who will give him a £14,000 redundancy payout despite the fact he made the club over £60m in transfer fees from academy players sold.

A club statement read: "We can confirm that Tony Carr has left the club with immediate effect after his two-year contract as club ambassador came to an end.

"Tony took on the role after departing his long-term position as academy director, with both the club and Tony wanting to ensure that he retained a full-time position and salary beyond his 65th birthday, before beginning to receive his pension.

"As a gesture of gratitude for the outstanding service Tony has given the club, the current owners of West Ham United granted him a testimonial match at the Boleyn Ground and Tony retained all profits from this game.

"Tony was offered new terms this summer to continue his ambassadorial role on a part-time basis, however, he declined the opportunity.

"Tony will forever be held in the highest regard by everyone at West Ham United for his outstanding service to the club and he will always be welcome at the new stadium, where his achievements are rightly remembered in the academy bar."