Now he is charge of Rotherham who look to have adpated better to life in League One than Forest so far.
"I don't bear any grudges," said Harford ahead of the game.
"Managing Forest was one of the high points of my career. I had the chance to do it and I had to take it.
"I am looking forward to coming back.
"It is a great club, I like the city and the fans: they were always good to me."
Meanwhile, Gareth Taylor's loan move to Sheffield United, reported as a done deal on Tuesday appears to have been shelved.
No confirmation of any deal has come from either club and the Blades yesterday secured a three-month loan deal for Portsmouth striker Vincent Pericard.