Manager Rob Edwards says Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu is the “heartbeat” of Luton Town and deserves his chance to play in the Premier League after the long-serving midfielder signed a new contract.
The midfielder will become the first-ever player to play in all five top English divisions for the same club when he makes his Premier League debut for the Hatters.
The 29-year-old, now in his 11th season, joined the club in the non-league and helped them back into the Football League in his first season.
Promotions out of League Two and League One followed before he help Town to the promised land of the Premier League through the Championship play-offs at Wembley in May.
Edwards told the club’s website: “Pelly’s story is such a special one, and everyone knows that now. Ever since we came in, his consistency has been brilliant. He is someone who gives everything. He leaves it all out there.
“He leads by example, he’s brave in taking the ball and what he does with it. He’ll assume responsibility for the team. On and off the pitch he is just a huge part of what we do, he’s the heartbeat of the dressing room, a brilliant lad who everyone loves.
“So it’s only right that he now gets this opportunity to play in the Premier League, because he’s worked so hard for it.
“He deserves it and I’m sure everyone will agree with me in that his performances last year in our midfield were outstanding and played such a big part in us getting here. Now it will be down to him and everyone else, because we’ve got to try and stay here.
“We are so pleased that he’s staying and we can’t wait to see him step up again.”
