Former Luton Town head coach Mick Harford has told Luton Today that he thinks the return of Nathan Jones as manager is a great thing.
The Hatters had been looking for a new manager for a month after the departure of Graeme Jones by mutual consent. While it was expected that Harford would take charge for the last few games of the season, should they happen, the club shocked their fans today by bringing back Jones to be their new manager.
Jones is one of the most successful managers in Luton’s history, guiding their rise from the Vanarama National into Sky Bet League One. However, during their season in League One, Jones would take the chance to become the new manager of Stoke City. That was a move that didn’t end up working out and he was sacked earlier this season.
The return of Jones has proven to be a controversial one with many Luton fans still not forgiving him for leaving them. However they may give him some more time now that Harford, who guided Luton to promotion to the Championship after Jones departed, has given him his support.
Harford said: “I’m really delighted. Obviously, people don’t want to see managers leave the club or lose their jobs, but Graeme left, we know that’s the nature of the game.
“When Nathan left I did try to persuade him to stay, but he went up to Stoke City.
“I just think he’s shown great sincerity and great remorse and we move on.
“He’s man enough to admit that he made a mistake and we believe we’ve got the manager who will not only get us out of trouble but move us forward, so it’s best for the football club.
“I met Nathan loads of times at games, certain matches where we would bump into each other, I’d been up to Stoke two or three times to watch them play and the teams we were playing against.
“We had always basically kept in touch and it was a case of Nathan wanting to re-write a wrong.
“I believe he sincerely wanted to do that and just put things right because Nathan 100 per cent gets the DNA of this football club and that’s probably the main reason why he is back here now because of his passion for the football club.
“It’s about what’s best for Luton Town Football Club, and that’s what I fully believe in.
“I’m 100 per cent certain that Nathan coming back is the best thing to take this club forward.”
