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The Game Football Podcast
The modern Mr Luton: Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu
In a special episode of The Game Tom Clarke is joined by regulars Gregor Robertson and Jonathan Northcroft as they speak to special guest Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu about his life and career.
Pelly is the first player to play for the same club from the national league through to the Premier league. Following ten years at the club, he is now mentioned alongside Luton legend Mick Hartford and has a mural, song and type of honey all created in his honour.
On the pitch he has played under an England manager and in a Wembley final. This is a chance to hear more from one club man Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu.
Timeline:
2’ start of career. Belmont and Boreham Wood.
6’ West Ham and playing for Allardyce.
8’ Dec 2013…on loan to Luton. Shock compared to Luton and Boreham Wood.
10’ John Still 100 goals and hundred points.
11’ Debut at Staines in the cup. Playing out of position at centre half.
18’ injuries and adjusting to the demands of regular league football.
21’ Nathan Jones. Great guy spoke a really good game, good tactically. Great use of data.
22’ Near misses and promotion to league one.
28’ Tough first season in the championship. Manager coming and going. The return of Nathan Jones.
30’ Footballers during covid.
33’ Nathan Jones leaves again. Pelly stays…why?
38’ loyalty to Luton and the opportunities they have given him.
40’ fairy tales…getting to the premier league.
41’ What’s the difference in the premier league.
45’ difference between levels. League one, championship, premiership. In the prem ever chance is taken.
48’ the fans don’t change
50’ I think I’m a good player actually.
Reflection on promotion season and the arrival of Rob Edwards.
55’ Wembley and nerves who do you celebrate with.
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