http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...aine-Pennant-chance-to-revive-his-career.html Stoke City manager Mark Hughes poised to hand winger Jermaine Pennant chance to revive his career Mark Hughes is ready to hand Jermaine Pennant a surprise second chance at Stoke City. please log in to view this image Hughes, the new Stoke manager, will meet with Pennant later this month and is considering the prospect of offering the winger a new contract, following the departure of Tony Pulis. Pennant is now a free agent after his deal expired at the end of last month and he appeared certain to be on the hunt for a new club after a spectacular breakdown in his relationship with Hughes's predecessor. The former Liverpool and Arsenal wide-man has not played for Stoke since last August and almost left earlier this year when the club attempted to reach a mutual settlement. But Pulis's exit last month could earn Pennant a reprieve and he is expected to hold talks with Hughes when the Welshman returns from a family holiday. Hughes has identified wingers as a priority position for next season and may offer Pennant a short-term deal if he proves he still has the appetite to play for Stoke.
That sounds a bit Citizen Smith, With Pulis out, we'll give a cheer, and keep the Pennant flying here.
If true this is fantastic news, we retain/get a winger that on his best day is up with the best and on his worst is better than anything we have at present. Attitude aside (which was equally fuelled by TP) we have as others have said missed him and whilst I dont dispute that we would have scored more goals, he also relieves defensive pressure aswell by being able to carry the ball 15 or 20 yards. However, the most ipmortant thing if Hughes can pull this off and get pennant back to his best, is that a wingers are not cheap and it has probably saved 7ish million - we only have to look at the kightly/Jarvis example.
Although he's 30, I think he deserves a chance to prove himself. Give him till january and see how he plays.
He was always going to be released first, Hughes is supposed to be meeting him later this month (on holiday i guess) to talk about a new contract. That's what I have heard.
Pennant's wag just tweeted: "@xAliceGoodwinx: Jermaine loves stoke and he's got a meeting with the manager about signing a new contract. He's a stokie through and through."
His missus lives in Stoke on Trent and I see him in Wolstanton having a carvery on a Sunday. Why would he want to leave
If you get him that would be a great siging. Not sure what your wage budget is like up there but as a free agent he wont be cheap.
