JERMAINE PENNANT never imagined that he would be joining Eidur Gudjohnsen in an exciting new Stoke City forward line . . . as he watched television pictures of the Icelandic international arriving in England for talks on transfer deadline day.
What seemed an attractive proposition at the time suddenly became reality a couple of hours later for the 27-year-old former Arsenal and Liverpool winger as City secured an eleventh hour agreement to snap him up on loan from Spanish club Real Zaragoza.
Pennant's capture came so late in the hour that there were literally only a few minutes remaining when his registration was sent through to the Premier League and that meant he then had to hastily make arrangements for his return to English football.
"One minute I was watching Sky Sports News and seeing Eidur Gudjohnsen heading for Stoke, the next I was making plans to move there myself," he revealed.
"I thought at the time that Eidur was a good signing and it made Stoke a very attractive proposition, but I had no idea I would be joining him there later that same day.
"It was mid afternoon in Spain when I got the phone call saying that a deal was in place if I wanted to go to Stoke, and I didn't really have to give it too much thought."
Pennant is excited about the prospect of lining up in what promises to be a new-look forward line with the likes to Gudjohnsen, Kenwyne Jones and Matty Etherington.
"If you look at the strike force, there aren't too many better out there with Eidur and Kenwyne. Then there's Matty and me on the wings, so going forward, we've got pace and ability. We're looking very strong and I think it's probably Stoke City's strongest Premier League side."
Although the eventual move to the Britannia Stadium came out of the blue, Pennant had been aware for some time of Tony Pulis' interest in his attacking qualities.
"My agent told me Stoke have always been interested and were trying to get me here last season on a permanent deal, but that didn't happen then," he revealed.
"Tony Pulis was very keen, so I signed the papers this time to get it sorted out in quick time. I think the deal eventually went through with half an hour left, so It was touch and go.
"My agent is convinced that the gaffer will get the best out of me, and from what I have seen so far I am confident that will be the case, and this will be the start of something great."
Pennant is certainly impressed with the new training facilities at Clayton Wood, saying: "It's just as good as the big places I've been to, like Arsenal and Liverpool. So Stoke are definitely moving in the right direction and I am excited by the prospect of what we can achieve here."
