Luton Town Supporters' Trust Podcast: Mick Harford's season review

On January 10th 2019, a legend was asked to step into the managerial breach after the shock departure of the former manager. It was initially thought that, moving from his role as head of recruitment, Mick Harford would be an interim appointment.

On January 26th the former star striker, coach and manager led Luton Town to the top of League One and, as records tumbled, there they stayed until the final day of the season in May when Harford guided the Hatters to the league title. The "proudest moment" of his career. 

For him it was redemption after he was at the helm ten years ago when, burdened by a never matched points penalty by the game's governing body, Town slipped out of the Football League for the first time in 89 years. No-one blamed Harford but the pain of those dark days stayed with him, only relieved when he lifted silverware above his head at a packed Kenilworth Road. He'd heard his name sung there on many occasions, but the reception he got that day still gives him shivers down his spine.

Kevin and Tony met up with Mick a few weeks after that memorable weekend to get his thoughts on one of the best campaigns in Hatters history. He talks about: 

• how taking charge was an offer he couldn’t turn down
• his first game in charge, taking Town to his boyhood team Sunderland and claiming a memorable draw on a “special, special day” complete with applause from two sets of fans.
• how he realised Luton could get promoted after a last-gasp 3-2 winner at home to Portsmouth
• Luton making history by going 28 games unbeaten
• where the team of 2018/19 ranks in his 35 years at Kenilworth Road
• the elation of the final day
• the promotion celebrations including going to the Bricklayer’s Arms and Painter’s Arms in High Town with CEO Gary Sweet and board member Paul Balantyne 
• the impression that new Luton manager Graeme Jones has made on him and how he think he’ll do in the hotseat as Town return to the Championship after 12 years away. 
• his return to his recruitment process and what that means this summer