Rob Edwards, the manager of the Hatters, is the fifth manager Mpanzu has worked under since joining. John Still was overjoyed to see the former Hammers young player acknowledged in this manner, joining Nathan Jones (twice), Mick Harford, and Graeme Jones as the other three. “He’s Luton Town, and he’s a major reason we’re here right now,” he remarked.

“I’m incredibly happy that he received credit for his contributions to the team and for what he has accomplished. He is a unique individual, a unique player, someone who gives their all every day, and a significant contributor to the atmosphere. I adore him, he’s an amazing person, and I’m very happy for him. Having someone like Pelly is essential; he is the club’s essence.

“Celebrating 400 games is a noteworthy achievement that warrants celebration.” He’s so vital to us, and even if he doesn’t play—which he hasn’t in the last few games—he’s still very important, so I’m really glad you did that tonight. Even after we’ve lost a game, he still gives it his all in the weight room on Monday morning.

He drives us, drives the sessions, is vivacious, gives us the same banter, and takes the piss out of others. He is aware of when it is work time, yet you still need that lightheartedness. He is simply an amazing individual and a major factor in our current Premier League status.

The midfielder responded, “For me it’s about vibes and that’s what I try to bring to every manager that’s had me,” when asked why he takes it upon himself to improve morale in his own unique way. Edwards is not the first to publicly discuss Mpanzu’s position at Kenilworth Road, both on and off the ball. I want to help in any way I can, even if it’s only by being the club’s lifeguard or by trying to lift someone’s spirits when I’m not playing. Hopefully, I can carry on with that.

The Hatters have been on an almost constant upswing since Mpanzu signed, taking the Conference title six months after he joined and going on to win League Two, League One, and the Championship via the play-offs in May of last year. The former West Ham player stated, “The main one is the Championship final,” which is what truly stood out as the final promotion. The feeling we all experienced is indescribable, and there are times when you just think, “We’ve actually done it,” and you actually did.

It was a great opportunity to celebrate with your friends, family, and the staff—everyone who has contributed, even if they aren’t here this season. While it was exciting to make your Premier League debut, you really felt that you had accomplished something both personally and with the club in the Championship final.

It’s a long shot, especially with one club, but you dream about it and think it’s conceivable. The journey through it has been quite the experience. We are currently playing teams like Arsenal, Tottenham, and Man City, having begun at Staines.

Luton will play West Ham United tomorrow in their second game to try and ensure they stay in the top division next season. They know that a loss would probably send them down because of Nottingham Forest’s superior goal differential, which puts them in fourth place. But if the Reds don’t defeat Chelsea in the evening kickoff, any form of victory might force the relegation struggle into a decisive match.

Naturally, Mpanzu is hoping for that, saying, “We have two cup finals left against West Ham and Fulham. It would be fantastic for the town and the club if we could maintain our Premier League status, and hopefully we can do so. We’re going to give it our all because we know we have the players to do that.

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