GLAD AS A HATTER

Harford is back in dugout and man they call Mr Luton can’t wait to get stuck in

FA Cup: Tomorrow, 12.30pm

BY

LUTON have been handed a boost ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup third-round tie against Harrogate with the return of club legend Mick Harford to the dugout.

‘Mr Luton’ Harford, 62, is back as manager Nathan Jones’ righthand man after completing a course of radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer.

As a player Harford starred as a centre-forward during Luton’s days in the top flight, and has since been manager, director of football, and coach.

Jones (below), manager of the Championship side up against League Two opposition, said: “We are delighted to have Mick back. He is a massive part of the culture and the environment here.

“Mick and I always spoke about his return and it had to be when he felt right. Having done a few days and kept his hand in, he’s just felt really comfortable and he really feels that now is the right time. It’s great to have him back and he’s had an instant impact this week.

“Everyone is delighted, and it’s a big thing to have him back at the helm with us.

“The fans have been wonderful and have sung his name at every game he’s been absent this season, so I know they’ll be excited and get right behind Mick and the team.

“It’ll be great to have him back in and around on a matchday and I know he’ll get the ovation he thoroughly deserves on Sunday.” Harford said: “I’m just pleased to be back. I still have to carry on with my appointments at the hospital but it’s great to come back into such a positive environment.

“It makes me feel a lot better and I feel really positive about moving forward.

“Sunday is the third round of the FA Cup, which is dear to my heart, so obviously I’m looking forward to the challenge as we move into a busy second half of the season. “It takes your mind off things and you can get stuck into your work here. I can just be focused on the football.

“The support I’ve had has been unbelievable, and really helped me through. Everyone has been really supportive towards me – I can’t thank them enough.” Harford will be joined by Alan Sheehan – the former Hatters captain rejoining the club as first-team coach after retiring as a player-coach at Oldham.