He’s only on a week-long trial with Tampines Rovers, but former Liverpool and Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant already had the stands of Jalan Besar Stadium filling up proper — more so than the measly usual.
Over 1,200 fans dropped by the stadium on Saturday night to catch him in action in the Rovers’ friendly with Hougang United, The New Paper reports. Any other day, the match would have only garnered about a hundred or so spectators (or worse).
The crowd had a glimpse of the former England Under-21 international in action in the second half when he assisted Shakir Hamzah in putting in a second goal for Tampines. The match ended in a 2-0 win for the Stags.
Post-match, Pennant was optimistic about his S.League debut.
“I’ve heard that love for the local game here has died a bit and it’s great to see so many fans turn up to watch the team. I want to help rebuild local football here,” he said to The New Paper.
“When the fans come, it motivates us players and makes us want to play better.”
Pennant has expressed the desire to stay on in Tampines as long as they’re welcome to the idea.
