Pennant committed to Stoke

Stoke winger Jermaine Pennant has pledged his future to the midlands club following speculation he might make the switch to Wigan.

Allegations of a rift with Stoke manager Tony Pulis and the signing of Michael Kightly from Wolves had led to talk of a move to Wigan as a possible replacement for Chelsea target Victor Moses.

However, Pennant denied the rumours and promised he is looking to make a fresh start at the Britannia Stadium.

“The fans might have been wondering if I might be going. I respect the fans a lot and said I would always be honest with them,” the 29-year-old told the Stoke Sentinel.

“If for one moment I was thinking of packing my bags, then I would tell them straight up – but I have never said or indicated that I wanted to leave.

“The first I knew about the Wigan story was on Twitter when somebody asked if I was going. No-one spoke to me or my agent. I think it was just speculation because we’d just signed Michael Kightly.”

Pennant is now looking to put off-field problems, including a recent drink-drive conviction, behind him ahead of the new season.

He said: “It’s been very up and down. It’s not how I wanted it to go, but that is life. You’ve got to deal with what comes your way. It’s a new season now, a fresh start.”