Town manager Mick Harford believes the capture of goalkeeper Mark Tyler is the important final piece in his jigsaw.

The 32-year-old stopper put pen to paper on a two year contract on Wednesday to become the manager's fifth new signing of the summer.

And Harford was delighted to finally get the man who will become a vital member of the team's spine next season.

Talking exclusively to lutontown.co.uk, the manager said: "Signing Mark Tyler was absolutely crucial: he was my number one target.

"The goalkeeper position is a massive one in any teams' spine. Our spine will now consist of Mark, Alan White, Kevin Nicholls and Liam Hatch.

"In my opinion that is a fantastic spine and its massively important for what will be a challenging division next season.

"To have a player of Mark's quality at the club is fantastic. He not only gives us his ability but also his attitude and professionalism.

"He's fully experienced and has played almost 500 games for Peterborough.

"It's another important signing for us and there is no doubt in the long term he will go onto play a big part in what we're trying to achieve here."

Harford also revealed that he has been chasing the goalkeeper's signature for almost a year.

"I tried to sign him last summer," he said. "Last summer we couldn't do it so we've been patient to finally get him."

The manager compared Tyler to former Town goalkeeper Marlon Beresford and hopes his new goalkeeper can go onto be a successful as Beresford.

He said: "I'd liken him to Marlon Beresford when he first came to the club.

"Marlon was a revelation when he first came here and helped us to achieve promotion to the Championship and I'm confident Mark can be just as successful, if not more, for Luton Town Football Club."