Matthew Pennington makes a move to Blackpool

Blackpool has added Shrewsbury Town defender Matthew Pennington to their squad.

The club announced the signing of Pennington to a two-year contract with the option to extend for a further 12 months. He will officially join the Seasiders on 1 July.

The 28-year-old has been a part of Shrewsbury Town since his permanent move from Everton in 2021.

Pennington, who had spent 16 years at Goodison Park before making his senior debut in 2015, has had successful loan spells at Coventry City, Ipswich Town, and Leeds United.

The former England U19 international is no stranger to Blackpool's Head Coach Neil Critchley from his time leading Liverpool U18's.

Pennington's arrival follows that of Albie Morgan from Charlton Athletic, making him the second signing for Blackpool this summer.

Coach Critchley expressed his pleasure at securing Pennington's services, saying, “Matthew is a player I have been aware of for a number of years and I am delighted we have beaten off significant competition from other clubs for his signature."

"After a successful spell at Shrewsbury where he won the Players’ Player of the Season award last year, we feel we have signed an established player at this level with the potential to improve further."

Pennington himself shared his excitement about his new chapter at Blackpool, saying, “I’m really excited to be here. This seems like a brilliant place to play football, and I can’t wait to get started. First and foremost, I’m a defender and enjoy doing that part of the game."

"I’m a team player and can play with the ball as well. I know a few of the lads here such as Callum Connolly and Shayne Lavery and I’m excited to see them again. I can’t wait to continue growing and continue learning.”