Adrian Pennock
English footballer and manager
title: "Adrian Pennock" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["1971-births", "living-people", "footballers-from-ipswich", "english-men's-footballers", "men's-association-football-defenders", "norwich-city-f.c.-players", "molde-fk-players", "afc-bournemouth-players", "gillingham-f.c.-players", "ebbsfleet-united-f.c.-players", "english-football-league-players", "national-league-(english-football)-players", "eliteserien-players", "english-football-managers", "welling-united-f.c.-managers", "forest-green-rovers-f.c.-managers", "gillingham-f.c.-managers", "dpmm-fc-managers", "barrow-a.f.c.-managers", "dartford-f.c.-managers", "national-league-(english-football)-managers", "english-football-league-managers", "expatriate-football-managers-in-brunei", "stoke-city-f.c.-non-playing-staff", "english-expatriate-men's-footballers", "expatriate-men's-footballers-in-norway"] description: "English footballer and manager" topic_path: "technology/web" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrian_Pennock" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::summary English footballer and manager ::
::data[format=table title="Infobox football biography"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | Adrian Pennock |
| image | DPMM-Hougang United 4 August 2023 (Officials).jpg |
| fullname | Adrian Barry Pennock |
| birth_date | |
| birth_place | Ipswich, England |
| currentclub | Dartford (manager) |
| youthyears1 | 1986–1989 |
| youthclubs1 | Norwich City |
| position | Central defender |
| years1 | 1989–1992 |
| clubs1 | Norwich City |
| caps1 | 1 |
| goals1 | 0 |
| years2 | 1991 |
| clubs2 | → Molde FK (loan) |
| caps2 | 15 |
| goals2 | 1 |
| years3 | 1992–1996 |
| clubs3 | AFC Bournemouth |
| caps3 | 131 |
| goals3 | 9 |
| years4 | 1996–2003 |
| clubs4 | Gillingham |
| caps4 | 168 |
| goals4 | 2 |
| years5 | 2003–2005 |
| clubs5 | Gravesend & Northfleet |
| caps5 | 14 |
| goals5 | 0 |
| totalcaps | 329 |
| totalgoals | 12 |
| manageryears1 | 2005–2007 |
| managerclubs1 | Welling United |
| manageryears2 | 2013–2016 |
| managerclubs2 | Forest Green Rovers |
| manageryears3 | 2017 |
| managerclubs3 | Gillingham |
| manageryears4 | 2017–2018 |
| managerclubs4 | Barrow |
| manageryears5 | 2019–2024 |
| managerclubs5 | DPMM |
| manageryears6 | 2024– |
| managerclubs6 | Dartford |
| caption | Pennock with DPMM in 2023 |
| :: |
| name = Adrian Pennock | image = DPMM-Hougang United 4 August 2023 (Officials).jpg | fullname = Adrian Barry Pennock | birth_date = | birth_place = Ipswich, England | death_date = | currentclub = Dartford (manager) | youthyears1 = 1986–1989 | youthclubs1 = Norwich City | position = Central defender | years1 = 1989–1992 | clubs1 = Norwich City | caps1 = 1 | goals1 = 0 | years2 = 1991 | clubs2 = → Molde FK (loan) | caps2 = 15 | goals2 = 1 | years3 = 1992–1996 | clubs3 = AFC Bournemouth | caps3 = 131 | goals3 = 9 | years4 = 1996–2003 | clubs4 = Gillingham | caps4 = 168 | goals4 = 2 | years5 = 2003–2005 | clubs5 = Gravesend & Northfleet | caps5 = 14 | goals5 = 0 | totalcaps = 329 | totalgoals = 12 | manageryears1 = 2005–2007 | managerclubs1 = Welling United | manageryears2 = 2013–2016 | managerclubs2 = Forest Green Rovers | manageryears3 = 2017 | managerclubs3 = Gillingham | manageryears4 = 2017–2018 | managerclubs4 = Barrow | manageryears5 = 2019–2024 | managerclubs5 = DPMM | manageryears6 = 2024– | managerclubs6 = Dartford | caption = Pennock with DPMM in 2023 Adrian Barry Pennock (born 27 March 1971) is an English former footballer who played for Norwich City, Molde FK, AFC Bournemouth, Gillingham and Gravesend & Northfleet. He is the manager of Dartford.
He spent two years as Welling United manager before joining Stoke City to be first team coach. He left at the end of the 2012–13 season following the departure of Tony Pulis, and on 12 November 2013, he was appointed as a manager for Forest Green Rovers where he twice led them to record highest league finishes.
He left his position as head coach of League One side Gillingham in September 2017, and was appointed as manager of National League club Barrow the following month, a post he held until the end of the 2017–18 season. In 2019 he was appointed manager of DPMM of Brunei, a team that plays in the Singapore Premier League.
Playing career
Norwich City
Although born in Ipswich and having grown up supporting Ipswich Town, Pennock began his career with their fiercest rivals, Norwich City, where he progressed through the ranks to turn professional in 1989. He was only to manage one appearance for the Canaries' first team
AFC Bournemouth
In 1992, Pennock was allowed to move to AFC Bournemouth for a fee of £30,000. He was a regular for the Cherries until he suffered a knee injury in December 1995 and was unable to regain his place in the team.
Gillingham
In October 1996 his former Bournemouth manager, Tony Pulis signed him for Gillingham for £25,000. Pennock spent over six years at Priestfield Stadium where he was a regular in the first team at Gillingham until a recurring knee injury took its toll. He developed a reputation as a practical joker whilst with Gillingham – during one pre-season friendly he switched on the pitch sprinkler system during the match. He also scored a memorable own goal against Wigan Athletic in 2000 which spawned a recurring terrace chant of "He only scores own goals". Such was his affinity with the fans that he even acquired his own fan club. On the pitch, he was named captain for the 2000 Football League Second Division play-off final which saw the Gills promoted to the Football League First Division for the first time in their history.
Gravesend & Northfleet
Injuries forced Pennock to retire from League football in 2003, after which he signed for Football Conference side Gravesend & Northfleet, where he was also assistant manager.
In January 2006, he was involved in a dispute with Gillingham chairman Paul Scally over a testimonial match which Pennock alleged he was promised as part of his final contract at Gillingham but which never materialised. Former star Pennock to sue Gills
Managerial career
Welling United
In January 2005 Pennock was appointed manager of Welling United of the Conference South and by the end of the season had guided them to their best league position for six years.
Stoke City (coach)
He left Welling at the end of the 2006–07 season to take up a coaching position at Stoke City, under his former Gillingham manager, Tony Pulis. He was initially appointed youth team boss at Stoke. In January 2010, Pennock expressed an interest in one day returning to management. In the summer of 2011 he made the step up to become first team coach at Stoke. He left the club at the end of the 2012–13 season.
Forest Green Rovers
On 12 November 2013, Pennock was appointed as the new manager of Conference Premier side Forest Green Rovers. He led the club to a 10th-place finish at the end of the 2013–14 season.
In January 2015, he was linked with the vacant managerial role at Gillingham, however he issued a statement declaring his aim to remain at Forest Green.
At the end of the 2014–15 season he led Forest Green to a record highest league finish of 5th in the Conference Premier, meaning that the club secured a place in the play-offs for the first time. Forest Green were knocked out in the semi-finals, losing 3–0 on aggregate against Bristol Rovers.
On 4 September 2015, after leading Forest Green to seven straight wins in the renamed National League at the start of the 2015–16 season, he was named August Manager of the Month. On 5 September 2015, he led the club to an eighth straight league win at the start of the season with victory at Chester – a National League record. On 5 February 2016, he was named National League January Manager of the Month having guided Forest Green to six straight wins.
Despite taking Forest Green to 2nd in the National League, which was another record highest finish, he was relieved of his duties on 27 April 2016, just one week before the play-offs, after a poor run of results that had failed to see his side win in seven games.
In November 2016, he returned to Welling United after being appointed as a consultant to new manager Jamie Day, who had been his assistant at Forest Green.
Gillingham
On 4 January 2017, Pennock was appointed as the new head coach of his former club and League One side Gillingham. Steve Lovell and Jamie Day were announced as part of his team of coaching staff. Pennock and Day left Gillingham by mutual consent on 25 September 2017, following a 3–0 defeat at Rochdale.
Barrow
On 27 October 2017, Pennock was appointed as manager of National League side Barrow. Barrow parted company with Pennock on 18 May 2018, with the side having narrowly avoided relegation.
DPMM
At the conclusion of the 2018 Singapore Premier League season, DPMM appointed Pennock as manager for the 2019 season. Pennock led the Brunei side to their second Singapore Premier League title in his first season in charge.
Dartford
On 1 March 2024, Pennock returned home and was named the manager of Dartford of the National League South, the sixth tier of the English football league system.
Career statistics
Player
Source:
::data[format=table]
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Total | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Total | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 1 | Total | 131 | 9 | 12 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 160 | 10 | Total | 168 | 2 | 11 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 199 | 3 | Total | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | Career total | 329 | 12 | 23 | 2 | 18 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 389 | 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwich City | 1989–90 | First Division | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1990–91 | First Division | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1991–92 | First Division | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Molde FK (loan) | 1991 | Tippeligaen | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AFC Bournemouth | 1992–93 | Second Division | 43 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 51 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1993–94 | Second Division | 40 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 48 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1994–95 | Second Division | 31 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 35 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1995–96 | Second Division | 17 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 26 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gillingham | 1996–97 | Second Division | 26 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 30 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1997–98 | Second Division | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1998–99 | Second Division | 40 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 48 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1999–2000 | Second Division | 34 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 48 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2000–01 | First Division | 35 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2001–02 | First Division | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2002–03 | First Division | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gravesend & Northfleet | 2002–03 | Conference National | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2003–04 | Conference National | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| :: |
:A. The "Other" column constitutes appearances and goals in the Football League Trophy and Football League play-offs.
Manager
:As of match played 31 January 2026
::data[format=table]
| Team | From | To | Record | Ref | G | W | D | L | Win % | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welling United | 14 January 2005 | 27 April 2007 | title=Welling United matches | url=https://int.soccerway.com/teams/england/welling-united-fc/4759/matches/ | access-date=5 January 2017 | work=Soccerway | date=5 January 2017}} | |||
| Forest Green Rovers | 12 November 2013 | 27 April 2016 | title=Forest Green Rovers matches | url=https://int.soccerway.com/teams/england/forest-green-rovers-fc/767/matches/ | access-date=5 January 2017 | work=Soccerway | date=5 January 2017}} | |||
| Gillingham | 4 January 2017 | 25 September 2017 | title=Gillingham matches | url=https://int.soccerway.com/teams/england/gillingham-fc/700/matches/ | access-date=5 January 2017 | work=Soccerway | date=5 January 2017}} | |||
| Barrow | 27 October 2017 | 18 May 2018 | ||||||||
| DPMM | 1 January 2019 | 31 December 2023 | ||||||||
| Dartford | 1 March 2024 | Present | ||||||||
| :: |
Honours
Player
Gillingham
Manager
DPMM
Individual
- National League Manager of the Month: August 2015, January 2016
- Singapore Premier League Coach of the Year: 2019
Personal life
In October 2023, Pennock, his wife Tania, and their son Ashley were among the winners of a £1 million prize in the People's Postcode Lottery paid out to residents of Hempstead near Gillingham.
References
;Specific
;General
References
- "Pennock leaves Gills by mutual consent". BBC Sport.
- (15 October 2018). "Brunei DPMM replace Rene Weber with former Stoke City coach Adrian Pennock". [[Fox Sports Asia]].
- "BBC News {{!}} FOOTBALL {{!}} Second time lucky for Gills".
- [https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/6595265.stm Pennock to quit Welling for Stoke]
- (28 April 2007). "Pennock lands job with Stoke City". Ipswich Star.
- (11 January 2010). "Stoke youth coach Adrian Pennock eyes management". BBC Sport.
- "Kevan returns to Stoke as academy coach". tribalfootball.com.
- "Dave Kevan heads list of departures from the Britannia". The Sentinel.
- (12 November 2013). "Adrian Pennock: Forest Green Rovers appoint ex-Stoke coach". BBC Sport.
- (7 January 2015). "Conference Premier side Forest Green Rovers issue statement following Ady Pennock's link with Gillingham". Kent Online.
- (3 May 2015). "Bristol Rovers 2–0 Forest Green". BBC Sport.
- (4 September 2015). "Ady Pennock and David Pipe land Vanarama National League awards for August". Stroud Life.
- (5 September 2015). "Chester 1–2 Forest Green". BBC Sport.
- "FULL-TIME: WREXHAM 2 FOREST GREEN 2 : Super-sub Brett Williams hits 94th-minute point-saver".
- (27 April 2016). "Ady Pennock: Forest Green Rovers sack manager one week before play-offs". BBC Sport.
- (24 November 2016). "Jamie Day replaces Mark Goldberg as Welling United boss". The Non-League Football Paper.
- (4 January 2017). "Ady Pennock: Gillingham appoint new head coach to replace Justin Edinburgh". BBC Sport.
- "Gillingham name Pennock as head coach". BBC Sport.
- "Club Statement: Ady Pennock".
- "Barrow AFC appoint Ady Pennock as new manager {{!}} The Mail".
- (2018-05-18). "Barrow part company with Ady Pennock".
- "DPMM FC". DPMM FC.
- "Brunei DPMM win 2019 AIA Singapore Premier League - Football Association of Singapore".
- (2018-05-18). "New First Team Manager".
- {{ENFA
- (5 January 2017). "Welling United matches". Soccerway.
- (5 January 2017). "Forest Green Rovers matches". Soccerway.
- (5 January 2017). "Gillingham matches". Soccerway.
- "Forest Green boss Ady Pennock and captain David Pipe scoop Vanarama National League manager and player of the month gongs for August".
- "Faris Ramli named SPL Player of the Year as FAS Nite 2019 recognises season's best - Football Association of Singapore".
- Cawdell, Luke. (29 October 2023). "Former Gillingham manager Ady Pennock and his family named as Postcode Lottery winners". [[KM Group.
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