With Ugarkovic & Lewis gone, the opportunity is there for Pennington. So yes if he ain't getting good minutes next season, then he plainly isn't good enough.
But personally I hope one of Conchie, Manuel or McKay has a great U20 WC and then moves into the Nix senior squad next season, and gets plenty of ALM mins. Seems overdue to excited about some young Kiwis at the Nix again.
Edit - I'd say the risk that the Nix miss out on a potential hefty transfer fee for Pennington is low. He ain't going to Bayern, Belgian top tier or wherever. If it's Europe it's likely back to Serie C. Even Piscopo for all his talent (also ex Serie C), and talk at one stage of strong European interest, is still kicking around the ALM.
But personally I hope one of Conchie, Manuel or McKay has a great U20 WC and then moves into the Nix senior squad next season, and gets plenty of ALM mins. Seems overdue to excited about some young Kiwis at the Nix again.
Edit - I'd say the risk that the Nix miss out on a potential hefty transfer fee for Pennington is low. He ain't going to Bayern, Belgian top tier or wherever. If it's Europe it's likely back to Serie C. Even Piscopo for all his talent (also ex Serie C), and talk at one stage of strong European interest, is still kicking around the ALM.