Jermaine Pennant signs for Wigan on deal until end of season
Saturday 21 February 2015 11:18, UK
Former Liverpool and Stoke winger Jermaine Pennant has signed a deal with injury-hit Sky Bet Championship side Wigan until the end of the season.
Pennant, 32, was a free agent after coming to the end of his contract at FC Pune City in the Indian Super League and agreed a Latics contract after a successful week's trial.
The winger attended Friday night's 3-0 home defeat by Charlton Athletic and the paperwork was completed directly after the match.
Wigan boss Malky Mackay has recently lost Emyr Huws and Chris Herd to season-ending injuries, while William Kvist and Leon Clarke were also forced off with problems against Charlton, meaning Pennant bolsters a squad lacking numbers.
Pennant has had a nomadic career across the divisions having also featured for the likes of Arsenal, Leeds, Birmingham and Wolves, while he also spent time in Spain with Real Zaragoza.
He played all 90 minutes in the 2007 Champions League final with Liverpool as they went down 2-1 to AC Milan in Athens.
“Jermaine needs no introduction in terms of what he has achieved in the game,” Mackay said. “He’s got terrific experience and is hungry for a way back into the English scene. There were a number of clubs interested, so we are delighted we can now call upon him to help us.
“He has been with us throughout the week and has trained excellently, he's brought a breath of fresh air to the place and we've been bowled over by his hunger and enthusiasm.
“Jermaine has integrated straight away into the group and I'm sure he's going to be a great addition for us.”
