Mick Harford’s 40-Year Luton Town Association Commemorated

The 40th anniversary of Luton legend Mick Harford’s initial arrival at the club is observed today. The formidable forward, known as ‘Big Mick’, was acquired by Hatters manager David Pleat from Birmingham City for a transfer fee of £250,000. Harford, now aged 65, subsequently netted 57 goals across 139 league matches and earned two England caps in 1988. In that same year, he contributed to the Hatters’ League Cup victory over Arsenal at Wembley. He also found the net in the subsequent year’s final, which resulted in a 3-1 loss to Nottingham Forest. His tenure at Kenilworth Road concluded in January 1990 when he transferred to Derby for £450,000. Notably, he scored an own goal in a season-ending match against the Hatters, a moment that ultimately aided his previous club in avoiding relegation. Harford rejoined Town in September 1991; however, despite scoring 12 goals in 29 appearances, he was unable to prevent the club’s relegation from the top flight the subsequent May. His coaching career commenced at Kenilworth Road in 2001, serving as assistant coach to Joe Kinnear, where he contributed to Town’s immediate return to Division Two. He later came back as director of football and subsequently as manager in January 2008, guiding Luton to an EFL Trophy triumph against Scunthorpe the subsequent year. In January 2016, he assumed the position of chief recruitment officer. However, in January 2019, following Nathan Jones’ departure, he was appointed interim boss and led the Hatters to secure the League One title. Furthermore, he temporarily managed a single match after Jones’ move to Southampton in November 2022, which occurred after Jones’ second period in charge. Reflecting his standing within the town, Harford was granted the freedom of Luton by the local council earlier this year.