Leeds United may have been, according to some, entertaining the idea of making loan defender Matthew Pennington’s temporary stay at Elland Road into a permanent one – that was dashed yesterday.
Pennington’s parent club, Everton, announced yesterday that they had signed up the 23-year-old centre-back on an extended, three-year deal. This will keep the youngster at Goodison Park until the end of June 2021.
Pennington made 24 appearances whilst on the books at Elland Road, starting 15 of those Sky Bet Championship appearances in a season that promised much for Leeds United but delivered very little.
Whilst at Elland Road, Pennington earned early praise for his performances, praise that some felt didn’t last through his time at the club. Throughout the season, his appearances for the Whites were somewhat sporadic and clustered.
Upon signing for the Whites, the Warrington-born youngster took the #5 shirt, instantly joining his new team-mates on their mini-tour in Austria. There were some who thought that the Whites might test the water with a bid for the youngster when the new transfer window opens in less than a week. Everton’s news from yesterday scuppers those notions.
The young defender took to Twitter (below) to thank Leeds United and everyone linked to the club for making his time in West Yorkshire an enjoyable one.
I also want to say a massive thankyou to everyone @LUFC I’ve really enjoyed my season loan and wish you all the success for the future! pic.twitter.com/40sRNict5I
— Matthew Pennington (@mpennington94) May 11, 2018
Leeds United fans were quick to respond to Pennington’s ‘thank-you’ tweet.
Matthew Pennington thanks Leeds fans – fans respond
Thanks for your efforts Matt including your stints at RB
— FOREVER LEEDS 👊 (@FOREVERLEEDSMOT) May 11, 2018
Good luck pal. Thanks for the effort at Leeds 👍
— Terry Gates Leeds (@dansfootprints) May 12, 2018
All the best Matthew, congrats on your new Everton contract. Ignore the haters and thanks for your efforts in a difficult season. Good luck next season #MOT
— Dirty Filthy Leeds (@VileAnimals) May 11, 2018
Not all Leeds United fans are glowing in their congratulating of the young defender.
Effort is there but an absolutely horrendous footballer , his reading of the game for a centre half is truly appalling ,
— bren longy (@brenlongy81) May 11, 2018
Will never forget Villa…You appeared to dive for cover as if the ball was a hand grenade when it came in from Grealish. Gave Grabbon a free headed goal. Good luck 👍🏼
— Scott Battle (@Scott_Battle100) May 11, 2018
I’m glad you enjoyed it because I didn’t
— Kevin Dwyer (@lufcchamps92) May 12, 2018
However, the overall majority of responses from Leeds United fans are of a positive spin, thanking the youngster for his efforts in a difficult Leeds United season.
Well done on signing your new deal, it was a pleasure watching you Matthew I wish you well what ever you do next also when you’re older have grandkids you can say I have played for the mighty Leeds United
— Robert Greenwood (@bobly44) May 11, 2018
I dont understand why people are slagging matthew off, he was an half decent defender, hes still learning the game hes young, thanks for your efforts this year lad and all the best with your career #mot #alaw
— Andy Tunstall (@TunnyMOT) May 11, 2018
You are a top pro Matthew, good luck for the future
— Ryan Pinnick (@RPlufc93) May 11, 2018
Thanks for your efforts in a difficult and traumatic season. Good luck in your future career at Everton and beyond.
— Alan (@penderel) May 12, 2018
