Releasing midfielder Paul Underwood was done with a heavy heart according to manager Mick Harford.

Underwood, 35, finally had to admit defeat last week in his battle to regain full fitness after more than two-and-a-half years of injury hell.

Having joined from Rushden and Diamonds in March 2004, he was part of the League One championship winning side the following season, and made 76 appearances for the Hatters, scoring five times.

But he hasn't appeared in a Luton Town shirt since getting injured during the 1-1 draw at Brighton back in March 2006 and has been on the sidelines ever since, with numerous comeback attempts scuppered.

On Underwood, Harford said: "Paul has been injured for nearly three years, we wish all the best for the future in whatever he is going to do.

"His rehabilitation is taking longer than he expected and he is still a longer way from full fitness. Whether he can get himself fit and play professional football again, I can't answer that question.

"But we just didn't think he would be available for us this season, so we came to a compromise agreement and Paul has left with our best wishes.

"He was at Rushden when myself and Joe Kinnear tried to sign him. It took ages to get him as Brian Talbot, who was manager there at the time, wouldn't sell him for any amount of money.

"We got him eventually and he's been a great servant, although unfortunate with his injuries. It's been tough for the lad with setback after setback for him."