Ipswich Town fans have backed Everton loan star Matthew Pennington to land the club's player of the season award following the defender's season-ending injury .
The 24-year-old has been impressive for Paul Lambert's side after joining on deadline day in August under former manager Paul Hurst.
Pennington made 30 appearances for Ipswich before picking up an unfortunate ankle injury in training during the week. He has subsequently returned to Everton for treatment.
After Town confirmed the news, fans were quick to send messages of support to the stricken loan star after he became a favourite during his time at Portman Road.
CLICK HERE for all your LIVE Everton news and transfer rumours
Promotion-chasing Derby County attempted to take Pennington during the January transfer window after Frank Lampard was impressed by the Everton academy graduate's form but Ipswich blocked the move.
The centre-back continued to leave his mark on supporters, however, and they made their feelings clear after Ipswich confirmed his return to Goodison Park.
Player of the season for me. Really sad to see him go.
— Vicky Godfrey (@vickysp83) March 31, 2019
My player of the season, good luck Penno ⚪️
— Craig Manning (@Craig_0000) March 31, 2019
I just hope he comes back to pick up his POTY trophy cause this season, no one comes close! So sad is this news, he’s been class for us...real class. Speedy recovery Matty
— (@TheRealTudes) March 31, 2019
Very good player wish him a speedy recovery. My player of the season, good luck @mpennington94 ⚪️
— Tractor Boy (@Tractor_Boy82) March 31, 2019
Can we invite him back for the Leeds game to do the post match lap with the team, deserves the chance to receive the appreciation from the fans he deserves from the effort he’s shown this season
— Ryan (@RyanSkipp88) March 31, 2019
Thank you for your efforts! Credit to yourself! Gets stuck in, doesn’t hide, body in the way of everything, doesn’t pull out of tackles! If we would have had this from the other 10 starters in games then we would have been flying
— Ryan Martin (@rjmartinITFC) March 31, 2019
Very good player wish him a speedy recovery #itfc
— ipswich town thoughts (@town_ipswich) March 31, 2019
Such a shame - he’s been a cracking player for us
— Kate Rouse (@k8rou) March 31, 2019
Real shame to end his time here like this but he’ll have a great career judged on his performance’s this season. Good luck @mpennington94
— James Parry (@bdrsuffolk) March 31, 2019
Thank you @mpennington94 you were class for us all year! #PleaseComeBack
— Ben Notley (@BenNotley) March 31, 2019
