Luke Pennell

Luke Charles Pennell (né Fathers; born 26 January 1996), is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Football League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge.

Pennell was born in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire and attended the Lord Grey School in the town. He started his career with local side Milton Keynes Dons before playing for the football team at Milton Keynes College, which he attended for three years. During this period he also spent time at AFC Rushden & Diamonds, featuring for the under-18 and under-21 sides, making 15 appearances and scoring once between 2012 and 2013. In March 2014, he joined Southern Football League Premier Division side Banbury United for a one-month spell, making six appearances and scoring twice. At the end of the season he joined Spartan South Midlands Football League side Wolverton Town, appearing for the first and reserve sides throughout the year whilst still playing for the College team.

After leaving Milton Keynes College in the summer of 2015, he signed for Southern League Premier Division side Dunstable Town. His form for the Blues alerted professional clubs and Pennell spent time on trial with Premier League side Norwich City and Football League sides Burnley, Fulham, Peterborough United and Fleetwood Town. He was offered a professional contract by League One side Fleetwood Town, but he turned the move down due to financial and logistical problems. However, none of the trials proved successful and Pennell returned to playing for Dunstable in January 2016.

In March 2016, he signed for League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge on a one-year contract with the option of a further year, after manager John Still learned of his availability following his trial at Norwich. He made his professional debut in April 2016, replacing Justin Hoyte as a substitute in a 3–2 defeat to Leyton Orient as the Daggers were relegated to the National League for the first time in nine years.