01 Apr 2009

The Hatters boss, who has managed the club through some choppy waters of late, knows more than anyone what a day out at Wembley will mean to everyone connected with Luton.

And when his side lines up in the Wembley tunnel ahead of kick off on April 5, he will afford himself five minutes to think of his late namesake Ray Harford, who famously managed Town when they won the League Cup in 1988.

Mick said: “The Wembley link with Ray is certainly there. He was a great manager and he will be in my thoughts on the day. It would be brilliant to replicate his success, but I am not taking anything for granted.

“It is an honour and a privilege to walk out onto the pitch with my players. I have played at Wembley four times and each one was a special experience. They should cherish the experience.”

Cup fever has gripped Luton since the side scraped past Brighton on penalties in the area finals and while the fans become more and more animated as the final approaches, a wry smile is all you’ll see on Harford’s face.

“I am just delighted for the fans, who have had it tough for the last three or four seasons. Making the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final is reward for their tremendous loyalty.

“They are a fantastic set of fans. They keep turning out in their droves and our away following is one of the best you’ll see. I am so pleased for them.

“I am also pleased for the players, because they knew the situation when they came here and they can now look forward to playing on one of the biggest stages.”

Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.