Everton centre-half Matthew Pennington made a late transfer window switch out to Ipswich Town last week prior to the loan window closing, and his first test in their colours came in an East Anglian derby against Norwich City at the weekend.
Making his starting debut for them despite barely having time to settle in at the club, like all derby clashes, it has an edge to it and Pennington quickly stepped up to put in an impressive showing on Sunday as both sides played out a 1-1 draw.
Ipswich wasn’t an expected destination for the 23-year-old as a return to Leeds United appeared to be more on the cards, but taking to social media following the game to thank his new fans for the welcome he received – well it went over incredibly well.
Thanks for the warm welcome from everyone at @Official_ITFC Buzzing to make my debut in such a big game today – what an atmosphere! 👏🏻It’s been a crazy couple of days but I’m excited and ready for the season ahead #ITFC #derbyday pic.twitter.com/09PuYdLuuK
— Matthew Pennington (@mpennington94) September 2, 2018
Great debut, given how quickly this has come you played as if you’ve been here all season…
— Steve Lewis (@lewyitfc) September 2, 2018
You was top class today pal. Slotted right in, and put in a proper stellar performance. Keep at it, you’ll be a star
— Jordan Mitchell (@JTMitchell16) September 2, 2018
Absolutely brilliant performance today Penno. It was an amazing atmosphere, welcome to ITFC
— Willemcee (@Will_McAll) September 2, 2018
My motm today without doubt. Love you already mate ????????????????????
— Harry Butcher (@hurricane_hazer) September 2, 2018
Well played today.Cant be easy having only just arrived
— andrew barnard (@Felstedboy) September 2, 2018
Class performance
— Alex Murphy (@thatalexmurphy) September 2, 2018
Best player on the park in my opinion today fella
— gary meekins (@garymeekins) September 2, 2018
Absolutely quality performance. The way you read the game was top class. MOTM. Onwards and upwards from here.
— Josh Barber (@MrJoshBarber) September 2, 2018
With only a handful of appearances to his name at Everton, whether the Academy graduate’s future lies with us is open for debate, but it suits all parties if he gets a good chunk of game time under his belt during this spell as he needs to be making his breakthrough properly next season given his age, or we look to do a deal that suits us financially and he looks to make a future for himself elsewhere.