After numerous brushes with the law, a couple of dozen second chances given to him by various managers, a total lack of respect towards women and not exactly a world beater, should he be allowed to change his number? Does anyone care? Would Sir Stan approve? Eidur Gudjohnsen didn't exactly do it justice did he? Before we signed him I was one of the few Stoke fans who thought we should sign him, and that Pulis would be the man to make a half decent pro out of him. Starting to have second thoughts after this past season. I'd give a new signing the No.7, Jarvis/Eagles...? Apologies for the boringness of the thread, must be bored, drunk, or both!
On his ability its a clear YES, on his conduct its probably a No! However, eben whe he has behaved himself TP hasnt played him right so its a bit of an irrelevant question. Matty has been poor yet he has played week in week out, Pennant has often been the best player on the pitch and still been subbed. When he has come on as a sub, he has often changed the game!
I agree with Smithers here, ability yes, conduct no. He does always seem to be a game changer when he comes on. Is that because he is our best player, or because he has to try so hard to make up for being a dick in training, or for whatever he's done for Pulis to bench him? But the main issue with shirt numbers is the sales, they'd need to announce well in advance that someone (one of the popular players at least) was changing their number, there was all that **** with Pennant before, going to 7, then back to 16. I remember a few years ago, Bendtner changed his number, and said he'd personally cover the costs for anyone who'd got the new shirt with his old number on it. Can't imagine too many people decided to have Bendtner on ther back, over RVP, Fabregas etc, but still, it's a nice gesture.
Just for his ability alone yes he should! We all know Pennent can/has, most probably will always be a jack the lad, can't give monkey's off the pitch that will I doubt never change. Leopards and spots comes to mind. He's not alone re: seem's to attract trouble of the wrong kind. I would play him more often this season, IF he performs great for us as a club. IF NOT then kick him out and sign another winger. HE is the BEST we have right now so for footballing reasons, I think Pulis should play him.
I have being saying this for a while, the wing area has now become our biggest problem and this is why; 1. Our wing play has been the most effective part of our game. Most of our goal threat comes form this position and it does a hugh amount of leg work in the defensive line up because of the tactical ineptitude of TP. 2. Matty was probably our most important player from his signing upto his injury against Man City towrads the end of the 2011 season. 3. Pennant has probably been our most effective player in the 2011/2012 season, although played sparingly. 4. These 2 players have helped us over come our championship midfield and our back 4 hoof tactics. So, if Pennant goes or doesn't play alot (which I can sort of understand from TP (sort of) due to the private issues) and Matty's form doesn't recover to the 2010 form when playing under PR, then our greatest strength and only source of forward play will be disabled! TP now needs the following; 1. At least 1 strong proven, pacey winger and the ability to get 90 minutes out of either Matty or Pennant. 2. 2 x Full Backs so we can at least try and play the 2 Wilsons in midfield. 3. 1 fast, 1st touch goal scorer who can play off Crouch and the retention of Jerome! For me that needs a gross investment of 25-30 million before sales!
I agree with what everyone has said on this I personally don't have a pennant shirt, but I know many who do so it's not fair on them.
Because he's a nonce! I see pennant was refused a travel visa to the states and hence misses the tour - hence relegate dto training with the reserves/accademy.
