To celebrate Luton Town’s first-ever Premier League football match this Saturday, 12th August, this week Luton Town footballing legend Mick Harford has swapped his role at Kenilworth Road football stadium to become the announcer at Luton railway station.

Mick led Luton Town to victory in the Football League Trophy in 2009 and won League One in 2018–19. The club is now back in the top-flight division after over 30 years, and on Saturday they will be heading to the other end of the Thameslink network to play Brighton & Hove Albion. Train operator Govia Thameslink Railway is calling it the ‘Thameslink Derby’.

All this week, Mick’s special announcements can be heard at Luton station, including match day on Saturday, 12th August. The recordings are intended to commemorate this important moment in “the Hatters” history and Luton’s wider community. Anyone intending to travel to the game on Saturday by train is encouraged to check their journey in advance via the National Rail website.
Govia Thameslink Railway has a long relationship with Luton Town Football Club, and for the past 15 years, it has provided free travel passes for its Academy players.

Mick is now the club’s Chief Recruitment Officer and said the community is an important part of the club’s success, from consistent home support to never losing faith that the club would make it to the Premier League. He said “This Saturday is a huge day for Luton Town FC, so it’s been great to work with Thameslink to offer words of support for the club, whilst getting passengers excited about the game.

“It’s not every day that you get to hear your voice on the loudspeaker at your local train station, so to have the opportunity to do it whilst celebrating Luton’s incredible achievement is an honour. Good luck to the boys, I’m feeling confident for a win.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink, said: “Whether you’re a football fan or not, this is a huge moment for Luton and it’s incredibly exciting for the local community. With both teams on the Thameslink network, we’re of course sharing our support for the Hatters and the Seagulls. Both teams have done extremely well to get into the Premier League and Europa League respectively. We wish all the players and fans the best of luck!”