Matt Penney: The local love story Sheffield Wednesday need right now - Joe Crann's Column

30 minutes was all it took him. 30 minutes to remind Sheffield Wednesday fans that there’s a lad who’s come through the academy ranks that’s got a point to prove…
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Matt Penney is Wednesday through and through. He joined the academy aged eight, signed his first professional contract in 2015 and made his debut in 2018. Now, after a spell on the continent, it’s time for the 22-year-old to make a name for himself at home – and there’s no better system for him to do it in.

For me, Penney was born to be a wingback. Having played as a left-back and as a left midfielder over the course of his career, the young Owls man has all the attributes to make that LWB position his own in the 3-5-2 system that Garry Monk has adopted for the season ahead.

Read More
Owls injury update - Kachunga in line for debut

And the boss is excited about him, too…

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking to The Star this week, Monk was full of praise after Penney’s Man of the Match cameo against Walsall, saying, “Potential-wise, when I look at the profile of Matt, the characteristics of him, he’s what we’re after - young, hungry and dynamic.

“He has the technical ability as well, you saw that in the 30 minutes. I was delighted for him, and it’s good to see it in that match scenario.

“He’s been showing it in training, but putting him in that match scenario, and for him to deliver, it’s exactly what he’s here to do. He’s another one I’m excited to be working with.”

It's a big season for Matt Penney at Sheffield Wednesday. (Pic Steve Ellis)It's a big season for Matt Penney at Sheffield Wednesday. (Pic Steve Ellis)
It's a big season for Matt Penney at Sheffield Wednesday. (Pic Steve Ellis)

And with everything going on at Wednesday, a success story for a local lad could be just what they need.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With over a decade with SWFC under his belt, Penney set off to expand his horizons elsewhere, following Jos Luhukay to St. Pauli in the German second tier where he will have grown as a player and as a person after stepping considerably out of his comfort zone – now he wants to show Monk what he’s been missing.

Because it wasn’t the current boss that sent him out on loan. That decision was made well before Monk’s arrival at S6, but he’s been keeping a close eye on him. They’ve been talking, he’s been watching his games and now he’s looking to see what he can do in the Championship.

With a 12-point deduction hanging around their necks, Monk has spoken of how important it is to have players at the club who want to be there, who know the battle ahead, and who better to know the importance of survival than Penney – fighting for his club, and (with one year left on his contract) fighting for his Wednesday future.

There’s Liam Palmer, Cameron Dawson, Joe Wildsmith, Alex Hunt and Liam Shaw, too. They’ve sat in the stands, they know what this club means to the supporters and they know they’ve got a chance to play their part this season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Penney enjoyed his rocket in the Hamburg Derby, now he just needs to put that left foot of his to use at Hillsborough.

More Owls news

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.

Related topics: