Sweet is 'emotional' over Harford

Luton managing director Gary Sweet says that the decision to part company with manager Mick Harford was difficult.

He told BBC Three Counties Radio: "Mick is, and always will be a legend at this football club. I came away from the meeting thinking 'who the hell am I?'.

"I felt very emotional about it, I have to say, but no man is bigger than the football club."

Harford was removed from the role earlier this week after taking on the role in January 2008.

The former Hatters striker, a club legend as a player, led Luton to two consecutive relegations, although both were largely because of points deductions for off-field troubles.

They are currently outside the Blue Square Premier play-off positions.

Sweet went on to explain the process and the reasons for the dismissal, saying: "There has always been a very good understanding between Mick and myself, and Mick and the board, and this was no exception.

"It wasn't a sacking as such, we clearly came to a decision that we needed to change and, as in most football decisions and executive decisions, we would involve Mick, and we involved Mick in this process too."

Sweet was one of the leaders of the 20/20 consortium including supporters that took the club over in July 2008.

He said: "We always said when we took over that we were big enough and bold enough to make decisions. I remember saying right from the outset that because we were supporters, and because we cared so passionately about this football club it made the tough decisions more easy.

"This is probably the toughest decision we have had to take since we got involved by a long shot."

He also ruled out the possibility that Harford could take an "upstairs" role at the club.

"If you really know Mick, you'd know that the pride is as big as the character, and that wouldn't have been acceptable by him," Sweet said.

"What we have said is that if there is any way we could re-unite with him in the future then we would warmly welcome that and hopefully so would he."

Supporters had made their voices heard after a string of poor recent performances, the defeat by Stevenage at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night appearing to be the last straw.

Sweet said that this had no bearing on the decision to part company.

"Pressure does not make decisions, we do," he said.

Before we decided to part company with Mick, we had certain names that we knew would be interested, who we could afford, who we felt could be appropriate for the position

Luton managing director Gary Sweet

"We were abused on Tuesday night. The board, our guests in the directors box, we were quite disgraced by it. All of us lot a bit of love for Luton Town Football Club on that evening. It was very disappointing but we have to recognise that as a minority.

"Regarding the chants for 'Mick Harford out', we have to listen to those. At the end of the day they are the paying customer and we have always said that they are the true shareholders of the business. That said, they don't know what we do."

Alan Neilson has been installed as caretaker manager for the time being.

Sweet added: "Alan and Kevin [Watson] have suggested that the players have contributed greatly in getting rid of Mick. I would agree with that.

"Not intentionally of course and they would be just as disappointed as Mick would be now at that particular situation. I am sure we'll get the better of them regardless who comes in throughout the rest of the season."

It would appear that there is not likely to be an appointment announced for Harford's replacement for another two or three weeks.

"We are looking to make an appointment by the York game at least (20 October), Preferably beforehand. Whether the manager can start on that night is another issue.

606: DEBATE

I'm not going to get behind Alan Neilson at all - I want Mick Harford to please come back ASAP

tinyhattermad

"Before we decided to part company with Mick, we had certain names that we knew would be interested, who we could afford, who we felt could be appropriate for the position. It was important that we established some of those things first, in order to come to the decision of parting with Mick.

"We don't want egg on our face to have to say goodbye to Mick and then turn around to find that no-one is interested in coming to Luton, especially given the fact that they are going to be under pressure from the fans after they lose a game or two."