As a teenager, I had accepted that I would never make a career as a goalscorer but I had been identified as a possible goalkeeper of the future.
Unfortunately, those ambitions died quickly when I sacrificed any potential career for the lure of the money on offer as an evening newspaper delivery boy.
But the money I earned, walking the streets and dealing with numerous dogs who thought I was a game target, allowed me to continue to watch Luton Town Football Club.
Going to Kenilworth Road became a habit and once I had progressed from that part-time job, I used my wages from my blossoming apprenticeship, in aviation, to fund my pursuit of glory with the Hatters.
Along the way, I admired many a player who gave their all for the cause.
One of the many was a certain Mick Saxby, a no-nonsense centre-back who led by example and who could always be relied upon to give his all.
Signed from Mansfield Town, for a fee of £225,000 in 1979, Saxby went on to make 82 league appearances for the Hatters scoring 6 league goals before leaving Kenilworth Road to go on to play for Grimsby Town (loan), Lincoln City (loan), Newport County and Middlesbrough.
By the magic of social media, I was able to get in touch Mr Saxby and he agreed to answer a few questions for Vital Luton Town:
1 – What is your best memory of your time at Kenilworth Road?
My whole time at the Kenny.
2 – In your time at Luton, which of the squad was the most talented player?
Ricky Hill
3 – What was your biggest disappointment in your time at Luton?
The injury that ultimately ended my career
4 – How do you reckon Luton Town will fare this season?
I think they will finish mid-table
5 – Do you still follow the Hatters fortunes?
Always follow the Hatters fortunes and hope to get down to some games very soon.
Also, by the power of the internet, we were able to find a clip of Mike Saxby scoring one of those aforementioned 6 goals for the Hatters, from a fixture against Notts County played in February 1980.
My thanks go to Mr Saxby for taking time out to indulge me and, hopefully, we can track a few more of the old-boys down and they will agree to do something similar.
COYH’s
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Hi mh, really enjoyed that post great to hear from Mike Saxby an unsung hero of ours. Good luck with your search for more old players. Sadly a lot of my early heroes I expect have passed on like Ray whittiker or Ian Buxton
First saw Mike play for us in the 81/82 title winning season and always remember him being a very steady dependable player at the back and similar in many ways to the Rolls Royce (Alex Ferguson quote) that was Mal Donaghy.
I wonder what £225k back in 1979 would equate to know days ? I had no idea we were paying those sort of transfer fees back then !
COYH