Burton Albion

LUKE Murphy has re-joined Burton Albion on a season-long loan from Leeds United.

The midfielder joined the Brewers initially in January until the end of the season but has now agreed a new loan deal to bring him back to the Pirelli.

Albion boss Nigel Clough said: “We are delighted to have Luke back and for a full season. He will also be able to get a full pre-season under his belt with us.

“He took a few weeks to get up to speed after he joined us in January as he hadn’t played first team football since August but once he did he was as good as we had over that second half of the season. The centre of the pitch is so important and we thought he did his job exceptionally well.

“He’s quiet, unassuming and he’s 27 now and he knows his job very well. He’s maturing into his role in midfield, knows what he’s good at, knows his limitations and plays accordingly.

“Now he’s been here for four months there’s no settling in period. He can now play a full season in the Championship and show everybody what he can do.”

Luke Murphy said: “It’s nice to come in at the start of pre-season. I’m happy to get it done as soon as possible and get back with the team, get a good pre-season under my belt and kick on from last year.

“I think it’s well-known that I really enjoyed my time here last year - everyone was brilliant with me. The staff, the fans and the players everyone was fantastic so that made it more of an easier decision to come back.

“I kept in touch with the gaffer through the summer even if it was just a text to ask how my holidays were and obviously when he called to say there was a chance that Leeds were happy for me to go on a season-long loan back here I said that’s fine, there’s nowhere else I’d like to play my football at this moment in time.”