Jermaine's wife Alice loves Singapore

She has been in sunny Singapore for only three days, but Alice Goodwin does not mind the sticky heat, and is already in love with the local shops and restaurants.

But she won't be staying here while her husband Jermaine Pennant plies his trade with Tampines Rovers in the Great Eastern-Yeo's S.League.

Goodwin drew quite a bit of attention yesterday when she turned up at the Jurong West Stadium for title favourites' Tampines' opening league encounter of the season against Geylang International.

"I won't be moving here full-time because my daughter (Esme) is in school (in England), and I have a job over there," the 30-year-old told The New Paper. "We love it here; it's got everything we possibly want. I told Jermaine that if it wasn't for Esme's school, we would be coming here to live.

"Everyone's so friendly; they say hello and shake your hand. We don't have that in England, so that's really nice."

Pennant, the former Arsenal and Liverpool star, has created a buzz here after signing for the Stags.

Goodwin, a model in England, thinks her husband's presence here will reap all-round benefits for the S.League.

"Jermaine wanted a new challenge," she said.

"He's had an amazing career in England, and I think he wanted to just have a change in scenery and come somewhere where there's more for him to do than just play football.

"He can use his expertise and the things that he's done over in England to coach the younger players here who are up and coming, and also the lads that he plays with in the team as well.

"He can do coaching, commentary and just using what he's done in 15 years in England to make a difference to the S.League."

Goodwin and her nine-year-old daughter spent much of yesterday in the pool at Pennant's condominium.

She has already been to Orchard Road and mother and daughter plan to visit Universal Studios in Sentosa today.

Goodwin, who is expected to make frequent trips here, admits it is difficult being away from her husband for so long.

"Our relationship's fine being apart. It's quite nice to actually have a break sometimes," she said, with a laugh.

"Obviously, we get to experience a place we never would have if it weren't for him coming over here.

"We're looking forward to spending time out here again in a part of the world that we probably would've never been able to see."

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It was an easy choice for him because they’re at the top. It’s all about bringing more people in, too. Hopefully, fans will want to see Jermaine play, so it will help the club to succeed in different areas as well.

— Jermaine Pennant’s wife Alice Goodwin, on his decision to sign for Tampines