Has Everton star Matthew Pennington’s Leeds United decision backfired?

Follow us on Google Discover

Everton defender Matthew Pennington is currently warming the bench at Leeds United.

When Matthew Pennington decided to move on loan to Leeds United this summer, it initially looked a shrewd move.

Pennington was earmarked for a spot in Leeds’ XI, and was given an early chance to establish himself.

But a combination of bad luck and competition for places has left Pennington warming the bench, while more junior Everton colleagues are getting first team opportunities.

Pennington may have missed a major chance to impress for Everton, with his under-23 boss David Unsworth placed in temporary charge.

Now with the club’s Europa League campaign falling flat, Sam Allardyce is set to play the kids against Apollon this week, with The Mail reporting 18-year-old defender Morgan Feeney is in line for a start.

Feeney is a bright talent, but he is behind Pennington in the pecking order, with the Leeds loanee already playing first team games including a Merseyside Derby.

The loan to Leeds was supposed to benefit him to get a season of Championship football under his belt, and Ronald Koeman being sacked was not part of the plan.

Unfortunately it has not worked out well for Pennington, who suffered an injury in the opening game of the season.

Upon his return, he rejoined a team in poor form, and was dropped again after failing to make an impact, with Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson the first choice pairing.

Pennington, 23, will be better off for having a season in the Championship, and could still have a prominent role to play for Leeds.

But with no starts since October, you couldn’t blame the centre-back for being a little frustrated seeing a number of Everton starlets and fringe players getting their chance.