Jermaine Pennant takes pay cut to rejoin Billericay – a day after leaving the mega-spending non-leaguers

JERMAINE PENNANT has taken a pay cut to rejoin Billericay Town - just a day after the former Arsenal and Liverpool winger left the mega-spending non-leaguers.

Club owner Glenn Tamplin praised the desire of the former Arsenal and Liverpool winger Pennant - and admitted other star players will have their wages slashed.

6

Pennant, 35 next month, is one of many players from higher levels recruited by seventh-tier Billericay, who lead the Bostik League.

Fellow ex-Anfield star Paul Konchesky, 36, opted to leave last month, while former Tottenham midfielder Jamie OHara, 31, is a regular substitute in a bulging Billericay squad.

Tamplin told the Evening Echo: "I want to make the club sustainable.

"I am re-negotiating contracts for next year and the players will not be on what they are on this year.

6

6

"So to be fair to Jermaine he has agreed to take a wage cut and that is massive. He wants to be a Billericay player."

Millionaire businessman Tamplin bought his local club in December 2016 and has revolutionised their ground, community programmes and squad.

GOAL-DEN Premier League’s best goal of 2017: Wayne Rooney, Olivier Giroud and Eden Hazard all on the list

But his takeover has split opinion as his big actions have been matched by big words.

And in September he bought two limited-edition Ferrari F12 TDF cars - to boost the club's image as well as his own extravagant lifestyle.

most read in football

LAST WISH

Trevor Francis cuts out estranged sons from will as he leaves behind huge sum

'JAMMY GIT'

Laura Woods stuns in purple dress and cosies up to Love Island star boyfriend

ROBBERY ORDEAL

Masked thugs roughed up Dele Alli during armed raid at his house, says ex

RIP

Tributes pour in as Wales and Burnley legend Leighton James dies

6

6

6

*********************************************