Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu has been labelled a ‘revelation’ as he and Dan Potts are in line to reach major Luton match milestones if they feature in tomorrow’s crucial Championship clash against Queens Park Rangers.
Left back Potts will make his 150th appearance and midfielder Mpanzu will not be his 250th.
Both players were plucked from West Ham United by former boss John Still, with Pelly in particular starting as a centre half but transforming into an all-action midfielder, becoming the first ever Hatter to have played for the club in four different division, winning three promotions and scoring in each.
“They’re stalwarts, really,” Town manager Nathan Jones said, adding: “Pelly’s a revelation in lots of ways. When we came here, he picked up a lot of injuries, but I think he’s missed two days in four years.
“That’s phenomenal, considering the shifts he puts in and the way we ask him to play, what he has to do.
“Don’t under underestimate the influence that Pelly-Ruddock has on the squad, because he’s constantly upbeat, which is difficult to do. That’s a wonderful thing to have in your squad.”
Potts was first choice left back at the start of last season until injury paved the way for James Justin, whose stellar season saw him signed by Premier a league Leicester last summer.
Jones said: “We give him a little bit of stick because he got a few injuries, head injuries, and we give him a bit of banter about being tougher, but he’s turned into a real good Championship footballer.
“That’s what we wanted. For everyone we recruit and develop here, that’s the goal, to better them, get established and then allow them to kick on.
“Potts has done fantastically well. He was probably one of the standout players in League Two.
“He’s matured and he’s a Championship full back now. He started off with a good pedigree in the under-21s at West Ham, but he’s really found a home here and done fantastically well.
“It’s brilliant that they could reach 250 and 150 respectively. We’re delighted for them and we’re very fortunate to have them.
“They were brought here by previous managers so that’s good recruitment and we’ve continued that on.
“They’re wonderful players and they’re a pleasure to work with, day in, day out. “That’s the best thing for a manager. Not that they do their job, but they’re also very pleasant to work with.”
