Pennant signs new deal at Stoke

Pennant: Set to stay at the Britannia Stadium

Stoke City have re-signed former Arsenal and Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant. In a dramatic turn of events, the club, which released the player less than a month ago, offered a new 12-month deal to the player, with emphasis on pay-as-you-play.

Pennant’s’s Premier League career seemed to be over after a having a torrid 2012/13 season, making just one appearance for Stoke, and enduring a miserable loan spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers at the end of last season. But new Stoke City manager Mark Hughes believes the former England U-21 international still has something to give after holding productive talks with the player.

“I’ve admired Jermaine from afar and there is no question about his ability,” said Hughes.

“I am looking to introduce more creativity and attacking options to the side, qualities Jermaine can certainly offer us.

“I had a very positive meeting with him and it’s now up to him to show everyone what he is capable of doing.”

Initially signed on loan from Zaragoza in 2010, Pennant made the deal permanent with his contract set to expire at the end of 2012/13 season. Pennant has made more than 70 appearances for the club but fell out of favour last season with former manager Tony Pulis. Pulis refused to play Pennant towards the end of the season for fear of invoking a clause which would have given him an extra year. But the club believes that despite his age, Pennant can still play at the highest level and prove his doubters wrong.Chief executive Tony Scholes said: “We have been impressed with Jermaine’s determination to prove any doubters wrong.

“He clearly had a difficult time last season, but the Stoke fans love him and he loves them. We believe that at 30 years of age, he still has a lot to offer.

“The one-year contract, which has the option to be extended beyond that, has been structured in a way which should ensure he focuses on his performances on the field.”

Source: Sky Sports