Adebayo – who put pen to paper on a new contract this week – headed home in trademark Big Mick style during the 1-1 draw with the Lions at Kenilworth Road in February 2021.
And the former Fulham and Walsall man believes the guidance under Harford has been key to his game since making the step up from League Two.
“Since I’ve come in Mick was big on me hanging around the back post, because that’s where you see everything,” explained the 25-year-old.
“He’s a great guy and we had a lot of discussions when I came in to try and improve my game and where to be the most deadly.
“The gaffer at the time and his staff worked a lot with me but with Mick we had discussions like where he would stand in the penalty area.
“To have someone of that pedigree giving you that information is wonderful – all you can do is take it in and be a sponge and soak up as much as possible.”
Elijah in action on his full Town debut against Millwall in February 2021
Like the Hatters over the last ten years, Adebayo has enjoyed an upward trajectory and can now call himself a Premier League player just two-and-a-half years since playing in the fourth tier.
His role in Jordan Clark’s goal in the play-off final against Coventry will live long in the memory and ahead of the new campaign it’s a moment the frontman isn’t going to forget quickly.
“I think everyone wishes they could relive that day again,” he said. “Since then, it’s been a case of getting over that feeling, even know you know what’s coming ahead you can’t forget that achievement – and when you remember it you get goosebumps.
“The gaffer said at half-time ‘the next 45 minutes could change your lives’ and that type of stuff kind of kicks you on.
“Afterwards you think ‘Ok, I’m going to play in the Premier League’ but now, here, is where the real work starts because we know we need to put those hard yards in and we’re looking forward to it.”
Indeed, the Town began their pre-season camp in Slovenia on Saturday with a light session that saw plenty of smiles ahead of what will be a tough test of their stamina over the course of the next week.
On the spirit in the camp, Adebayo added: “There will be times this week when we’re going to be serious when the gaffer will go through what he wants to go through tactically.
“But they’ll be laughing and joking too, which is good. I’ve said before this is a unique changing room – I’ve never been in a changing room like this. Everyone is together and that shows on and off the pitch. We fight tooth and nail for each other and I think everyone can see that from the outside.”
