The prospect of the Johnstone's Paints Trophy final has brought emotional responses from both dugouts.
Adkins pride; Harford backs fan power
The prospect of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at Wembley has brought emotional responses from the Scunthorpe and Luton dugouts.
Managerial counterparts Nigel Adkins and Mick Harford have seen their fair share of high-profile trophy football in their careers, and while Sunday's final will offer a less glamorous showpiece, it will nonetheless take on huge importance to both men.
Luton are currently bracing for an painful end to their league status as they languish rock-bottom of the Football League, meaning that the prospect of some glory in the cup will provide a welcome respite for Harford's beleaguered charges.
Scunthorpe meanwhile will be looking forward to their first major final in the club's history, and have reason to be happy on the league front as they sit comfortably in the play-off places of League One.
Adkins has achieved greater heights than this in his career, having taken Bangor Town to the Uefa Cup during his time with the Welsh outfit, but the 44-year-old insists that having the chance to capture the Johnstone's Paint Trophy with Scunthorpe is just as great an achievement.
"Sunday will be a very proud day for me as it is a big occasion for everyone at the club," said Adkins.
"It is our first major final and it means a lot to us all, the players, the chairman and the 12,500 fans that we are taking. It's a very special occasion and we're looking forward to it."
Massive support
Luton on the other hand have announced that they will bring an unprecedented 37,000 fans to Wembley for the final, and manager Mick Harford believes that the huge Hatters support could provide the vital difference on the day.
"You have to make a mark. Luton don't get to Wembley very often and you have to make an impression," said the former striker, who won a League Cup with Luton in 1988.
"The fans will be a 12th man and they can spur us on to victory. These fans are the best in the country.
"They've had setback after setback through no fault of their own yet they keep coming and putting money through the turnstiles and this is for them.
"I will cherish the moment and it is an honour to lead this side out in front of these fantastic supporters."
