Mick Harford has left Luton Town as manager.

The Hatters were relegated from League Two last term after being hit with a 30-point deduction, but were favourites to make an immediate return to the Football League at the end of the current campaign.

They started the season badly though and Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat at home to Stevenage leaves them 13 points adrift of leaders Oxford.

The 50-year-old was a fans' favourite during his playing career at Luton but, despite winning the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last season, managing director Gary Sweet feels the time is right for a change.

"The entire board are incredibly disappointed to part company with Mick, who we all had a great relationship with." Sweet told the club's official website.

"It was an incredibly tough business decision that was made with a heavy heart. Mick has been a wonderful servant and an impeccable ambassador for Luton Town over the last couple of years and we would like to thank him immensely, particularly for his help in stabilising the club and his loyalty.

"Whilst results, and in particular, performances have not reached our expectation, Mick's attitude, conduct and his management of our squad regeneration programme has been nothing short of remarkable considering the budget constraints and challenges he has had to deal with during his time here.

"The club is far stronger now than it was when Mick joined."