Luton Town CEO Gary Sweet and chairman David Wilkinson have paid tribute to club legend Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu and said “he will be honoured with a testimonial” following confirmation that the midfielder will leave the Hatters this summer after 12 unforgettable years at Kenilworth Road.
The 31-year-old is set to depart upon the expiry of his contract, bringing an end to a historic spell that saw him become the first player in English football history to play for the same club across every division from the National League to the Premier League.
Signed from West Ham in 2013, Mpanzu quickly won the hearts of Town fans with his all-action style, tireless work ethic and unshakeable loyalty. Over the next decade, he played a key role in four promotions, rising with the club from the depths of non-league to the heights of the top flight.
Reflecting on Mpanzu’s remarkable journey of 412 appearances, including 23 goals, CEO Gary Sweet said: “It’s amazing to think that this teenage centre-half who rocked up at Staines all those years ago would still have been here over a decade later.
“Recalling his shock at what he’d walked into at the time as he walked into the dilapidated Portakabins at Ely Way, I think he would be equally amazed.
“In the club’s recent generations, Pelly has been with us all the way; from our lowest ebb and rising to the crest of our wave, across five league divisions, for one club, in one direction, which is why this club, and I, will always have a special bond with him.
“Pelly’s wider feat in football is unique, special, awe-inspiring and so genuine that his inspiration will and should write stories and win accolades, but at Kenilworth Road, Pelly’s name has been firmly etched into our history.
“We’ll miss him greatly but wish him every success with whatever comes next. And when the time is convenient for Pelly and his career, he will be honoured with a testimonial here to thank him for such wonderful service. On behalf of the board, staff and supporters, thank you Pells!”
Chairman Wilkinson also paid tribute to Mpanzu’s lasting legacy at Luton, both on and off the pitch.
“All good things must come to an end and what a good thing Pelly has been,” he told the club’s website.: “He epitomised our rise from non-league obscurity to the Premier League. His goals were rare, but they were always special, and who could forget his driving runs through midfield.
“An immense character shone off and on the pitch and he certainly wasn’t shy and retiring. His eclectic tunes would reverberate around dressing rooms and away hotels, so you always knew he wasn’t far away.
“It’s probably his presence that we’ll all remember most. A beacon of light everywhere he went.
“Time has come for him to move on, but it won’t be goodbye because we will all enjoy a game in his honour whenever he’s ready to wear the orange one last time.
“He will be sadly missed, but Pelly is now part of our heritage and those of us who knew him, or had seen him play, will be happy they did.”
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