Stoke ace hopes to wing his way to glory

Stoke City winger Jermaine Pennant is aiming to hit the goal trail next season, but admits that he'll help out the team in any way possible if it means the club can enjoy another successful season.

The 28-year-old scored three goals in 36 appearances for The Potters last season, which climaxed with the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

As the former Arsenal man gears up for his first full season at the Britannia Stadium, following his deadline day signing last August, he says he wants to make a greater contribution.

"If the two wingers can chip in with goals from both sides it's going to help," he said.

"Doing that is always in the back of your mind, but you've always got to see the amount of assists myself and Matthew Etherington give as well.

"It counts the same for me, whether I'm creating or scoring the goal. Assisting is as good as scoring for me because I get so much joy doing that."

Despite joining Stoke prior to the start of the season, Pennant soon became first choice in Tony Pulis' starting XI and helped the club reach their first ever FA Cup final in their 148-year history.


 

"It was a good season for everybody," he added. "I know the last three results were disappointing, but those can't take away from the season as a whole.

"For myself, the fans took to me, while family and friends said I had a good season."

After reach the showcase final at Wembley, Stoke earned a spot in the Europa League, and during Friday's third qualifying round draw the club were paired with Croatian side Hadjuk Split.