Ady Pennock: Gillingham appoint new head coach to replace Justin Edinburgh

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Ady Pennock spent seven years of his playing career at Gillingham, from 1996-2003

League One side Gillingham have named former Forest Green Rovers boss Ady Pennock as their new head coach, after sacking Justin Edinburgh on Tuesday.

Former Gills defender Pennock, 45, will be joined by Welling United boss Jamie Day and Bromley assistant manager Steve Lovell as first-team coaches.

The trio have been placed in charge until the end of the season.

"A change was necessary to ensure the club achieves the best possible position," said chairman Paul Scally.

"The current squad is the most expensive in the history of Gillingham FC, it has enormous potential and is capable of achieving great success over the remainder of the season and beyond."

Prior to Wednesday's appointments, Scally told 大象传媒 Radio Kent he may change the club's management structure, adding: "We may have a head coach and a team of coaches, with a director of football."

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Ady Pennock (right) was part of the Gillingham side that beat Wigan Athletic 3-2 at the old Wembley in the Division Two play-off final in 2000

Former Welling boss Pennock was sacked by Forest Green before the National League play-offs in April despite securing second place in the table, having been in charge since 2013.

Pennock was assisted by Day - who previously played under him at Welling - at Forest Green.

Former Wales and Crystal Palace striker Lovell spent five seasons playing for the Gills and has previously taken caretaker charge of the club.

In a statement, Bromley manager Neil Smith said: "I'm obviously disappointed to lose Steve from our management team but at the same time I'm delighted for him to return to his home club Gillingham. I wish him all the very best."