Jermaine Pennant might have spent more than a decade as a Premier League footballer, but the former Arsenal and Liverpool winger is now desperately trying to find a gig in Asia.
Pennant, who turns 33 this month and also played for Stoke and Birmingham City, has been handed a week-long trial with Singapore club Tampines Rovers, who play in the country's S. League, in the hope he can convince them to sign him to a longer contract.
The Englishman spent last season at Wigan, where he failed to prevent the club's relegation to League One, and also spent part of 2014 with Indian side Pune City, but it is a sad reflection of his current standing in the game that he is now reduced to trialling for teams in Asia.
Tampines chairman Krishna Ramachandra said: “Pennant’s a pedigree football talent ... we were approached by his agent for him to try out at Tampines Rovers, we felt he was a good enough talent to warrant a trial with us.
“He has been out here to Asia before so he knows what is required. I believe Pennant is on a personal journey to re-establish himself as a player and that could be good for football because you have someone who is motivated to prove his detractors wrong.
“If we do take on Pennant, it will have to be initially for a short period of time - so that he can prove himself as a positive influence for the Stags."
Here's hoping the trial goes well.
A mountain to climb. This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on any sales generated from it. It’s a huge Champions League week, with the round of 16 second legs taking place, including Man City v Real Madrid. There are four games on Tuesday and four on Wednesday to feast your eyes […]
Action has been taken. Chelsea have been slapped with a transfer ban as well as a huge fine for multiple breaches. It was confirmed today that the Blues had been punished by the Premier League for violations committed during the Roman Abramovich era, as reported by The Athletic. The club has has also been given […]
This would be incredible! Right now, Nathan Collins’ focus is Ireland and Brentford, with the centre back captaining both sides. And this will be his focus for at least the next decade, as the Leixlip man is still just 24. However, in an interview with the BBC, he spoke about his early roots in the […]