Mick Harford is up for the fight

Luton Town manager Mick Harford has never been one to shy away from a fight. As a player he was one of the most combative centre-forwards around and he will need to show all those battling qualities if his side is to survive this season.Even though they have now come out of administration under the clubs new owners, Luton Town 2020, they were docked a record 30 points before the start of the season and face an uphill struggle to maintain their League Two status.They were helped last week by the 17 point deductions handed out to Rotherham and Bournemouth, but Harford insists he is concentrating only on events at his own club."I've got to be perfectly honest and I've said this to the players - I'm not bothered about Rotherham and Bournemouth,' he insisted. "If we go about our job and show the right attitude and the right commitment, the right work ethic, allied with the ability and technical side of it, we can win football matches."It's down to us, it's got nothing to do with Rotherham and Bournemouth. Obviously they are our nearest opponents, but we'll just be concerned with how we approach the season. The key to us staying up is a good start and good home form. I honestly believe that if we only lose one or two games at home this season, we'll stay up."They made a disappointing start in that quest to turn their Kenilworth Road ground into a fortress, losing their first game to Port Vale at the weekend. Harford was encouraged by what he saw, but knows his players have to tighten up at the back.He said: "The first half excited me. I think we had 12 corners. We delivered balls into the box but we need someone on them. Their first shot was a goal. The goals we've we gave away have been a trait for this club for some time and we've got to get rid of it."I was disappointed with certain aspects of the defending. We've just thrown a team together in the last two to three weeks so it's very difficult to gel. Some of the players don't even know each other, so it's a building process."The first half heartened me but, if we keep giving away silly goals, we will have a mountain to climb. I think if you were here you would realise it wasn't a 3-1 defeat. It could have been a home victory quite easily. We created lots and lots of chance and had loads and loads of possession. We need to start converting the pressure we've had. But there are 45 games left, more than enough games to get ourselves out of trouble.'Although Saturdays result wasnt the start Harford was looking for, at least now he can concentrate all his efforts on matters on the pitch, rather than worrying about events off it.He added: "I'm glad we're finally here. It has been a long, long road. Everyone here at the football club has been working all the hours that God sends to get the club out of administration, locate players and work to bring them into the club, and it's been a magnificent effort by everyone."But also those loyal fans, who have been fantastic. They've stuck by this club through thick and thin, they've had a rough time and deserve better than what has been served up to them in the past few years, and Im hoping to give it to them."