'Still a few more chapters' left for Pelly

Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu's Luton Town career may be drawing towards a close following his deadline-day loan move to Rotherham United.

The midfielder has made 412 appearances for the Hatters and BBC Three Counties Radio commentator Simon Oxley has offered a personal recollection of Mpanzu's contribution over 11 and a bit years.

"I can remember one of Pelly's first appearances at Alfreton in the Conference title-winning season," Oxley said. "They were going along quite nicely, Luton, but Alfreton were up there challenging as well and it was seen as a really important test of Luton's credentials.

"They played brilliantly, absolutely swept Alfreton aside. A few players made debuts and the side was really coming together - they won 5-0 in the end and that really set them on the way to what was ultimately a title-winning campaign that got them back into the Football League.

"I remember saying to John Still after the game 'I like the look of that Pelly Ruddock' and he said 'We like Pelly Ruddock as well'. Of course, in those days, it was Pelly Ruddock, not Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, but what a story, to go up from non-league to the Premier League.

"Players have come and gone over the years, fondly recalled and fondly remembered for the roles they played, but always there is Pelly, either in the team or, more latterly, on the bench.

"It's an incredible story and you'd think at the age of 30, there are still a few more chapters to come as well."