Stoke City chairman Peter Coates says they're happy to support Jermaine Pennant after he avoided a jail sentence.

The Stoke winger was given a suspended eight-week jail term last week after admitting drink-driving while banned from the roads. He was also disqualified from driving for three years.

Coates said the club had never considered terminating Pennant's contract.

He said: "We want him to become the good footballer he can be. He's a very good player and I hope he can get his life sorted out."