Gillingham appoint Adrian Pennock until the end of the season

Gillingham have found their man in former player Adrian "Ady" Pennock who replaces Justin Edinburgh at the League One club, on a deal running through to the end of the season.

Edinburgh became the first third-tier managerial casualty of 2017 after the Gills sent him packing just three days into the New Year.

Pennock instantly emerged as one of the favourites for the post, but despite also being hotly linked with Port Vale (and briefly Notts County), he has now returned to Priestfield as manager - he previously made 168 appearances for the Gills between 1996 and 2003 - and will be assisted by first-team coaches Steve Lovell and Jamie Day.

In terms of dugout experience Pennock has managed Welling United (2005-2007) and Forest Green Rovers (2013-2016), with a coaching spell at Stoke sandwiched in between.

In his most recent job at National League side Rovers Pennock led the club to their highest ever finish last season, 2nd, but was harshly released from his duties just a week before the play-offs.

Pennock, who has since been working as a consultant back at Welling, inherits a Gillingham side short of form who are struggling down in 17th, 10 points adrift of the play-offs.

But, the 45-year-old does now has time to assess his squad, with the Gills not in action until Saturday 14th, when they make the trip to rock-bottom Oldham.

NEWS: The #Gills are delighted to unveil Adrian Pennock, Steve Lovell & Jamie Day as the club's new coaching team.https://t.co/I4YXz0awd1 pic.twitter.com/Gl3RSCiZK7

— Gillingham FC (@TheGillsFC) 4 January 2017