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Mixed reaction from fans as Dartford appoint ex-EFL player turned manager

There was mixed reaction from fans on social media as Dartford decide to appoint ex-EFL player turned manager Adrian Pennock.

The appointment comes as a surprise to some, as his named hadn’t exactly been one of those linked. The likes Aveley manager Danny Scopes had been mentioned to me as a name well-liked by the club as was Jay Saunders of Tonbridge.

Dartford were favouring option with Step 1/2 experience to take them forward as replacement for Alan Dowson who was sacked seven weeks ago after a poor run of results.

Dartford currently sit 18th in National League South on 38 points from 35 games, and 4 points above the relegation zone with 11 matches left.

The club said in a statement: “We are delighted to announce that after a rigorous recruitment process we have appointed Adrian Pennock as men’s first team manager with immediate effect.

“He comes with significant experience having coached a first team in the Premier League and managed in the EFL, National League, National League South and Internationally.

“He is qualified to the highest possible level holding a UEFA Pro licence. He has a track record of working with clubs at both ends of the table and is ideally placed for this season and beyond.

“His passion and vision for the future of Dartford Football Club was most evident and impressed us greatly.

“Welcome to Dartford Ady.”

Pennock has had an extensive career in football, having played for the likes of Norwich City, Molde FK, AFC Bournemouth, Gillingham, and Gravesend & Northfleet.

After his two year stint as Welling manager, he in 2007 transitioned to become the first team coach at Stoke.

Following the departure of Tony Pulis, he left at the end of the 2012–13 season and subsequently, on the 12th of November 2013, he took on the role of manager at Forest Green, achieving the highest league finishes twice during his tenure.

In September 2017, he stepped down as the head coach of Gillingham in League One before taking up the role of manager at then National League side Barrow the following month. He held that position until the conclusion of the 2017–18 season.

In 2019, he assumed the role of manager at DPMM FC in Brunei, a team competing in the Singapore Premier League, and left after nearly four years with them.

HIS PLAYING CAREER:

Youth career
1986–1989 – Norwich City

Senior career
1989–1992 – Norwich City – 1 game (0 goals)
1991 → Molde FK (loan) – 15 games (1 goal)
1992–1996 – AFC Bournemouth – 160 games (10 goals)
1996–2003 – Gillingham – 199 games (3 goals)
2003–2005 – Gravesend & Northfleet – 14 games (0 goals)
Total – 389 games (14 goals)

MANAGERIAL CAREER:

Welling United – 14 January 2005 until 27 April 2007 – G103 – W44 – D26 – L33 – WIN% 42.72
Forest Green Rovers – 12 November 2013 until 27 April 2016 – G140 – W64 – D37 – L39 – WIN% 45.71
Gillingham – 4 January 2017 until 25 September 2017 – G32 – W6 – D11 – L15 – WIN% 18.75
Barrow – 27 October 2017 until 18 May 2018 – G32 – W10 – D10 – L12 – WIN% 31.25
DPMM – 1 January 2019 until 31 December 2023 – G62 – W27 – D12 – L23 – WIN% 43.55
Dartford
Total – G369 – W151 – D96 – L122 – WIN% 40.92

As mentioned, there was mixed reaction from fans as Dartford appoint ex-EFL player turned manager Adrian Pennock…

@Dean0_88: We went through a rigorous process and came up with this???

@bigfred291940: As a Dartford fan that lives up north and see a bit of Adrian when he was at Barrow, I wish him luck can’t say it’s a appointment that feels me with confidence that the board no what they are doing.

@Stuartluck2: All the very best Ade & Welcome to the Dartford fc family #Together we’re stronger

@LesPotter8: I always thought he came across well for Barrow. I think he will be a good one for Dartford. Tough job to take on.

@GeorgeMurfet_: My word. Never thought we’d look in a more positive place than you boys this season after Boxing Day 🤯 #welling

@Liam_How: That is a terrible appointment.

@Troy_LFC6: Chairman accepting relegation. 🤡 No ambition at all!

@dane_stringer: Good luck , your going to need it with the dross signed this season

@TaylorBAFC: I cannot explain how much I love this man. Underrated beyond belief for the work he put in whilst at Barrow, the loveliest man to speak to and so appreciative of the supporters.

@SteveAtters12: From the outside looking in you look like a club about to go bust. There’s something not right about you

@Dean0_88: I said the other day we need to stop other teams laughing and taking the piss out of us, instead we enhance it, generally had enough now and all the enjoyment of supporting the darts has been drained out of me.

@cybertelosian: Welcome to the Darts Adrian

@cafc95: Not sure on him really. Appears he’s best stint was forest green rovers when they were non league highest he finished was 2nd and was sacked before they started the play offs. Could be wrong welcome to dirtford

@LeeTaylor93: Welling legend back in the day

@bensilver28:
Please unpin this
It is a terrible appointment
Not something I’ll be celebrating over a Friday night dinner!
Weekend ruined 😠

@CarpmanDave83: Wow Danny Scopes has changed a bit lol

@CarpmanDave83: And they actually thought Danny would leave a play off chasing team for a rival and for whom are fighting to stay in the league 🙄

@Alfie_e7: Blimey! Can’t believe you actually took scopesy off us lads, does look a little different here tho 🤔

@kianwardgk: Hasn’t managed in the UK since 2018… Can only see DFC going one way sadly and that’s the Isthmian League. Will be happily proved wrong though ⚪️⚫️

@bensilver28:
Adrian, who? What number was he on your list?
How many managers said no to you? Poor Adrian he won’t last.
Did Danny Scopes say no? I don’t blame him…
Always shit on the Kent side of the bridge…
Danny Scopes blue and white army

@Fin_Seath72: Poor bastards

@93Matty24: Oh god, good luck

@aligills10: Made my week that has 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

@cwN17_: Let’s hope he saves us ⚫️⚪️

@26Rjohnno: Never gonna work out, bad appointment
@AveleyFC #TogetherAveley #COYM

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