When Luton manager David Pleat was given money to strengthen the Luton squad just before Christmas 1984, one of the players on his list was tiny midfielder David Preece, who had been attracting the scouts to Fellows Park, Walsall for several months.

The Town had to part with £150,000 plus recently signed forward Steve Elliott in order to get their man but in true Roy of the Rovers fashion, he scored the only goal of the game on his debut to give the Hatters their first win in seven games.

A lively midfielder, with the ability to control the tempo of a game, Preece was a mainstay in the Hatters side for more than 10 years, earning a Littlwoods Cup winners medal on the way, and with his educated left foot carved out many an opening for a succession of Luton forwards.

Preece earned a well deserved testimonial against Manchester United in 1995 before departing to Derby County.

Luton Town league debut: December 8th 1984 v Aston Villa (home) won 1-0.

Last Luton Town appearance: May 7th 1995 v Stoke (home) lost 2-3.

Luton Town league appearances: 336 Goals 21