Pennington signs new two-year deal

Good luck to him.

He's not prone to Funes Mori style errors and has got the legs on Williams and Jagielka. He just lacks Premier League experience.

Jags needs a 1-year extension.

Gareth Barry into a coaching role.

Gerry out but sadly probably going earlier.

Everyone else... punt.

It's still a long road ahead till he's an established first teamer but I hope I echo the sentiments of all true blues and wish him all the best.

Does anyone know how Browning's been doing at Preston? I just remembered he went out on loan there. I'm guessing he can't be doing too bad as they're over performing as a club this season. It can't all be down to McGeady.

That's what we want to hear. That is commitment and honour and we need more of it.

Thanks, Matt, and Good Luck.

Ian Snodin mentioned recently that Browning is back at Finch Farm. That's possibly for treatment for the injury but how long he's out for and if he will play for Preston again this season I don't know.

From what I've seen, it's fairly common for developing squad players like him to typically get 2- or 3-year contracts at Everton. According to our records, in July 2015, he was rewarded with a new 3-year deal that ran through June 2018.

So a new 2-year deal at this point basically replaced the last 15 months of his existing contract with new terms, and no doubt a pay hike to reflect his greater exposure, visibility and contribution. All good management of our assets, if you ask me.

It gives him more time to develop and come good under our coaches, without over-committing in case his progress stalls. Tough business this football malarkey!

Now twat that horrible little diving big billy bollocks rat Vardy as a celebration present!

Seven games left, including a resurgent Leicester today, Chelsea, and Arsenal last game of the season. The rest of our games include teams battling the drop. We might as well give the likes of Pennington a run in the team. He has already played against two other top six teams in the RS and Utd. It will have been great experience for him that he can bring into pre-season.

The current set of circumstances, while not great in general, are ideal for bringing young players through. Injuries to senior players, older players who are due to be phased out of the squad, still an outside chance of finishing top six, so no huge pressure but still competitive games, and young players who appear to be at the right stage of development to be given the chance.

I agree the fault was Koeman's tactics but I read many comments along the lines that the lad wasn't Premier League quality, would be better suited to the Championship.

He's not long back from a bad injury and to give him his first senior game of the season in a derby game at Anfield was a big ask, but some contributors on here were questioning his ability.

Unsy seems to have a high regard for Pennington so I'd rather trust to his opinion than the idiots that slag these lads off on here.

I remember being against it when it happened, especially after selling Oviedo we have no cover at left back. I don't understand that at all.

I hope this doesn't impact on his development, him and Browning both have a lot of potential. Add Pennington and Holgate into the mix and we've got a talented crop of young defenders.

As an aside, Jonjoe Kenny's contract ends this summer. Is he good enough to extend his contract?

I hope he does but I've more hope for Browning myself.

I disagree with Liam although I'm a fan of Browning. I think the rack of injuries have done for him. Such a shame but I'd fully expect Holgate to be blooded further alongside a new centre-half or three next season.