Matthew Pennington completes move to Shrewsbury Town from Everton

Matthew Pennington scored twice in 20 appearances for Shrewsbury after arriving from Everton in the January window

Everton's Matthew Pennington has joined Shrewsbury following his successful loan spell with the League One club.

The 26-year-old defender has signed a two-year contract for Steve Cotterill's side.

Pennington has been on the books at Goodison Park for 15 years.

During that time, he made loan moves to Tranmere Rovers, Coventry City, Walsall, Leeds United, Ipswich Town and Hull City.

"Matthew Pennington is a quality boy and a quality professional," said Cotterill.

"Towards the end of last season, he was arguably our most consistent defender. Scoring a couple of goals was an added bonus.

"He is a very clever young man. He will want to hit the ground running. And I am sure that the period he's already had here will help him.

"There will be some new faces by the time he comes back but that will be good for everybody."

Pennington is Town's second pre-season signing following the arrival of Luke Leahy from relegated Bristol Rovers.

Shrewsbury finished 17th in League One, seven points above the relegation zone, having been 23rd - four points adrift of safety - when Cotterill came in after his predecessor Sam Ricketts was sacked in late November.

Boss Cotterill released 12 players in an end-of-season clear-out.

Analysis

BBC Radio Shropshire sports editor James Bond

Shrewsbury Town are showing they mean business - by agreeing a deal with the man who scored the goal that guaranteed the club League One safety,

When the popular Pennington headed in that winner at Blackpool, Town fans would hardly have believed Town could make his deal permanent.

The talented Pennington was being released by Everton after 15 years rising through the youth ranks - but surely his Premier League wage packet would be out of reach.

But, enticed by Town manager Steve Cotterill, Pennington is "excited" to be able to stay at Shrewsbury, where he says he has never felt so at home.

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