Luton hero Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu joked that he’s “completed football” so might retire, after he became only ever player to go from the non-league to the Premier League with one club.
Town won 6-5 on penalties at Wembley yesterday to beat Coventry City and complete the most remarkable decade that began in the National League.
Mpanzu joined the club permanently in 2014 from West Ham United and that was the year the Hatters finally ended their five-year hell in the non-league by winning what was then called the Blue Square Premier title.
Back-to-back promotions landed Luton in the Championship in 2019 and yesterday was theirs and Mpanzu’s fourth promotion. No club and no player has every achieved what the Hatters and Mpanzu have.
“It’s crazy, man,” said the midfielder, adding: “It’s been a journey from non-league to the Premier League. Who would’ve thought it? People have been saying they need to write a story about me but we’ll get there when we get there.
“We’ve enjoyed our time as a club and a community. I think I’ve completed football now, so I think I’ll retire in the summer. I’m done now.”
More than 36,000 Hatters were at Wembley to see their side reach the top flight, while back in Luton thousands gathered in Wardown Park, pubs and homes to witness the historic moment.
Asked what he thought would be happening in Luton, Mpanzu said: “Party. Party today, party tomorrow, party Monday, party Tuesday and party all summer. It’s going to be an eventful time for the community in Luton. It’s been tough but it’s good for them to have this opportunity to be in the Premier League. I’m glad we gave it to them.”
The victory came despite adversity and worrying scenes as skipper Tom Lockyer collapsed early on and had to be taken to hospital.
Boss Rob Edwards said he told his players to win it for the Welshman and he broke down in tears when interview by Sky Sports after he was shown a tweet posted by Lockyer’s dad of the defender celebrating promotion from his hospital bed, with family surrounding him.
Asked about his team-mate’s injury, Mpanzu said: “I didn’t see it, man. I just turned around and Locks was on the floor. He’s collapsed but I’m glad he’s up in the hospital bed, celebrating. It’s weird but health is wealth and his health and safety comes first. We’re glad he’s all right.
“I’m not sure what hospital he’s in, but we’ll probably see him because he’s been outstanding for us this season, so it’s one for him as well.
“It’s tough, especially in the final game of one of the most prestigious games in English football. For him to go down is tough to take.
“Burkey (Reece Burke) came on and did well. Pottsy (Dan Potts) came on and did well. It was a good team performance.”
Jordan Clark put Town ahead before Gus Hamer pegged them back, but the Hatters had the ball in the net three other times in the contest and thought they’d won it at the death in extra-time when substitute Joe Taylor scored infant of the Luton fans. The celebrations were wild but then a video replay showed the ball had hit his hand in the build-up.
“We don’t like VAR but we’re going to have to get used to it,” said Mpanzu.
“It’s tough but obviously we bounced back and everyone put their penalties (away). There were some good man penalties there, I can’t lie. We’re glad we won it on penalties.”
Both teams scored all five of theirs but victory came in sudden death when Potts – who has been with the club since League Two – scored his and Fankaty Dabo missed his to send the orange half of Wembley wild.
Luton’s player all sprinted from the halfway line to join goalkeeper Ethan Horvath in sheer the sheer chaos of glory.
Mpanzu said: “Crazy man. You can’t describe it, all the emotions that come out of your body, out of one experience. I can’t really describe it. It’s just in the moment.”
