“It’s an unbelievable accolade, I’m so honoured and humbled,” said Mick.“When I look back, so many more people in Luton have done unbelievable work so I feel very, very honoured.“I might not have to buy a pint in Luton anymore! But I’m so pleased, and it’s an indication of where the Club is right now, and everyone associated with it should feel part of this honour as well.”Big Mick was among five individuals who were honoured at the town hall.

Our head of recruitment and Littlewoods Cup winner was recognised alongside by Derek Ludlow, MBE CBE Deputy Lieutenant (DL), Geoffrey Farr MBE DL, Dr Nazia Khanum OBE DL and Imam Qazi Abdul Aziz Chishti MBE.Freedom of the Borough can be conferred upon “persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent service to the Borough.”At the ceremony a resolution was made giving reasons as to why each individual was being proposed for the award. “Mick Harford needs no introduction to fans of Luton Town FC where he has spent a large portion of both his playing and non-playing career,” wrote Luton Borough Council in their overview.“In addition to two separate spells as a player at Luton, he has been the club's director of football, first-team coach and manager. His commitment to the club and unerring support for its role in the town, has rightly earned him the status of legend.”Congratulations, Mick!