With Morgan Fox out of contract this summer and yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, Matt Penney may have a slim chance of nailing down a starting place for Sheffield Wednesday next season.
The 22-year-old hasn’t made an appearance for the Owls since November 2018, was loaned out to Germany last summer and is also out of contract this summer, but a lot of supporters from Owls Talk want to keep him. Many believe Penney could make the step up next season.
Gurujuan: “Really would like to see this guy offered a new contract. Like a lot of youngsters, he can be a bit inconsistent, but I think he’s easily good enough to be one of our left-side options.”
Kanye West: “Had some decent games for us.”
Sefton Owl: “I still think we should give him a chance. He’s relatively young and wouldn’t demand high wages, so it’s a no-brainer from a financial perspective.”
Owls-Fan: “Considering our uncertain future, we’d be daft not to offer Penney a new contract. He’d be good enough for the Football League and the likes of him, Urhoghide, Hunt may be our future if we are on a limited budget.”
WalthamOwl: “Hope he signs a new contract with us.”
Malek: ” Penney (…) did really well (for St Pauli). He is perfectly suited to play that role at our level. He can get up and down the pitch for 90 minutes, is quick, got a silky touch and a cultured left foot. I’m sure he’d sign with us if he get decent offer.”
WelshOwl74: “I’d keep him. Won’t cost the world and still time to improve.”
Striker: “There is a player in there. Had he been kept at LB, I think he would have not lost confidence and form. Expect him and Fox to re-sign and battle it out for the LB spot. Opportunity is there for him to be a regular starter.”
Bouncing Owl: “No brainer. Young, lots of potential and won’t be a big contract. I would be happy with Fox and Penney as our left-back options next season.”
Emerson Thome: “I really liked what I saw from Penney. Would like to see him get a run of games next season.”
LondonOwl313: “He started really well at Wednesday (…) then faded a bit. I’d give him another year, but it really has to be his breakthrough (season) at his age or he’ll be dropping down the leagues.”
Wor’Jackie: ” I second that notion. If Fox were to go at the end of the season, I see no reason why he shouldn’t be the replacement.”
Howards Back: “Playing in Germany will have done him no harm. I’d give him a contract.”
Since rising through the youth ranks to the first-team in 2016/17, Penney has gone on to make 17 appearances in all competitions for Wednesday. He failed to nail down a regular starting place and opted for a loan move away – Penney has made 14 appearances for FC St. Pauli (August 22, 2019 – present)
Monk was impressed with the left-back during the winter break earlier in the season and said he wants to see Penney train over the summer – a decision which will delight supporters. Should the 22-year-old impress at the end of the season, there may be a chance he’s retained for another year. Time will tell.