Luke Murphy has committed to a second spell at Burton Albion by joining the Brewers on a season-long loan from Leeds United.
The 27-year-old spent the second half of last term with Albion, making 18 appearances as he became a key figure in helping Nigel Clough's side secure their Championship safety on the penultimate day against Barnsley.
That loan deal was signed with Garry Monk in charge at Elland Road, with Murphy himself saying he had not been in Monk's plans at the time and that his stint at the Pirelli Stadium had helped him to love football again.
And despite Leeds having a new head coach at the helm in Thomas Christiansen, Murphy is again heading out on loan, returning to Burton for the entirety of the 2017/18 campaign.
He joins Matty Lund in bolstering the Brewers' midfield ranks as a summer signing.
And there's no hiding Murphy's delight at being back with Albion for a full term.
"It’s nice to come in at the start of pre-season," he said.
"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."
As for Clough, who regularly praised Murphy's quality last term, the Pirelli experience he already has under his belt will stand him in good stead for another massive season in Burton Albion's recent history.
"We are delighted to have Luke back and for a full season," said the Albion boss.
"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."
