Pennock plays waiting game
Gillingham
Ady Pennock looks set to face a waiting game over his Gillingham future.
A decision over the next permanent Gills manager could take several weeks.
Chairman Paul Scally flew abroad immediately after Sunday’s final game against Northampton and will be assessing his options following a season of woes.
Pennock took over as head coach at Gillingham in the wake of Justin Edinburgh’s sacking and after a tough spell, which was hindered by off-field issues, he managed to keep the side in League 1.
He has a two-year plan to get the Gills into the Championship but he must now wait and see if Mr Scally will go with it or instead turn to a higher profile manager.
Mr Scally is set to meet Pennock on his return to the country, around the end of next week.
“It’s a job I would love to do and if I have to wait a few more days then so be it,” said the 46-year-old, who had been hoping for a quick answer either way.
“It has to be right for me as well. It has to be doable. I see so much potential there.”
Pennock has already targeted new players and has some potential deals on hold. He added: “I am itching to go.”
If Mr Scally doesn’t go for Pennock then the leading candidate to take over at Priestfield is former Swansea, Millwall and Wolves boss Kenny Jackett.
The first job of any new manager will be to make decisions on the out of contract players. Striker Cody McDonald is one of those who is now free to leave.
Pennock and his coaching staff were at the club on Tuesday, meeting the players individually, before they departed for their summer break.
Gillingham stayed up after a 0- 0 draw at Northampton as rivals Port Vale also drew, away to Fleetwood.