Hatters' manager Mick Harford was "delighted" to have finally secured the services of Liam Hatch on a season-long loan from Peterborough United.

The Town boss told lutontown.co.uk that he had been tracking the 27-year-old striker for a while before he was transfer listed by Posh at the end of last season.

"It's a player we've trailed for a long, long time," Harford said. "He's had success where ever he's been and it's fantastic that we've got him here.

"We've done a deal with Peterborough. Negotiations have been on-going for several months and we've got the option to sign him permanently.

"It was always our aim to get a player of Liam's ability to the club. He'll be a massive influence for us and a striker that will compliment the other forwards we have at the club in Tom Craddock, Ryan Charles and Kevin Gallen."

Hatch was born in Hitchin and lives locally and Harford hopes the 6ft 3in striker will help the Hatters to success next season.

"Liam is ready for the challenge and is desperate to play for us," he said.

"He was a handful when we played Darlington last season I'm delighted to have secured his services for next season.

"All we need now is a good supply line from the wings and hopefully he will help spearhead us to promotion back to the Football League."

And Town Director Antony Brown was just as enthusiastic as Harford after agreeing the deal and completing the paperwork on Friday morning.

He said: "It's a testament to what we're trying to achieve here at this football club to be able to attract a player of Liam's ability to Kenilworth Road.

"To be able to beat off competition from clubs in the upper half of League 1 for a player of Liam Hatch's quality shows the ambition and attraction that Luton Town still has."